Mental health conditions are the most common diagnosis on GP fit notes, according to a new study.

NHS Digital, which published the figures, revealed that mental health and behavioural conditions accounted for nearly a third (31 per cent) of all fit notes written by GPS in England between December 2014 and March 2017.

The figures suggest that almost 1.8 million fit notes in the UK were issued during that time because of a mental illness.

The report added that one in five fit notes for episodes of mental health and behavioural conditions were issued for a period of absence of more than 12 weeks.

Fit notes relating to musculoskeletal diseases and connective tissue were the second most common handed out by doctors, the figures show.

The number of fit notes written for anxiety and stress-related conditions increased by around 14 per cent during the same period, from 503,00 in December 2014 to 573,000 in March 2017.

Commenting on the figures, Dr Steve Mowle, honorary treasurer for the Royal College of GPs, said: “We need a society-wide approach, including involvement from employers, to put measures in place to get people back into work, where possible, safely and appropriately.”

Dr Jed Boardman, lead for social inclusion at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, added: “These statistics are alarming. Mental health conditions are now a far more common reason for being signed off work; traditionally the leading cause was back pain.

“GPs and employers must do more to facilitate a person’s return to work. GPs will write suggestions on the fit note, such as staggered work days or agreeing specific goals for the returning employer – both parties need to be more active in tailoring these suggestions to that person.”