Depression targeted in government policy shift

The government is preparing to announce a major shift in mental health policy in England with a new emphasis on tackling and preventing depression.

The 10-year strategy is expected to call for better identification of those most at risk and wider access to psychological therapies for patients.

Depression or anxiety affect one in six people at some point in their lives, yet only one in four is in treatment

Since 2007, there has been a £170m programme to increase access to a type of treatment called cognitive behaviour therapy, which is designed to help patients to pinpoint – and then change – thoughts and actions that cause emotional problems.

It came after the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence said anti-depressants should be reserved for the more severe cases.

But the programme has been criticised by some as placing too much emphasis on one type of treatment.

It is thought the plans to be outlined later will broaden the range of psychological therapies available for GPs to recommend for their patients.

Much of the focus is expected to be on prevention – identifying those most at risk, particularly in schools.

There will also be more help in the workplace, and support in finding a job.

source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8396147.stm