A WOMAN whose mental health had deteriorated as she contended with a number of conditions died due to an overdose of anti-depressants, an inquest has heard.

Christine Ann Adams, 57, who was diagnosed as bi-polar and had “suicidal thoughts” was found dead in her home in Headington Close, Brighton Hill, on June 2.

An inquest held at Basingstoke Coroner’s Court on Monday heard that the body of Mrs Adams was found in the lounge of her home by her carer Monika Katona.

Ms Katona told the court that the day before, Mrs Adams, who was agoraphobic, was acting in a very stressed manner as she had not got her shopping.

Ms Katona said: “When I arrived at the house she demanded that I go to the shop and buy her eight cokes.

“I asked if she wanted me to give her a body wash before I went but all she wanted was the cokes.”

Ms Katona added: “As we (carers) only have 30 minutes with each person (client) by the time I got back I didn’t really have much time to do anything else.”

The inquest heard that whenever Ms Katona left, Mrs Adams would always lock the door behind her, but on this occasion she did not.

The next day, Ms Katona found the door was unlocked.

She entered the home and then discovered the body of Mrs Adams.

The inquest heard that Mrs Adams was given her daily medication in a dispensing box, something her son Joseph Adams questioned during proceedings.

To this, North East Hampshire coroner Andrew Bradley responded: “I have been doing this job for far too long to know that if people are intending to do something they can find ways to hoard medication.”

Mr Adams told the inquest that his mum had previously been admitted to Parklands Hospital in Basingstoke.

He said she had liked the institutional aspect of life at the hospital and he added that leaving that particular environment could have had an impact on her “ever-changing mental state.”

In recording an open conclusion, Mr Bradley said the overdose may have been a “momentary lapse” rather than being planned.

Mr Bradley added: “It is quite clear that at the time of her death she was suffering extreme behavioural activity.

“She was in an anxious state of depression.”

The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or via email at jo@samaritans.org.