Rethink: The drugs don’t work, new study shows – millions with depression need talking therapies too

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Tuesday, 26, Feb 2008 12:00

A study published today claims that anti-depressants don’t have any clinically significant effect in most cases (1). This underlines what leading mental health charity Rethink has known for a long time; anti-depressants are being over prescribed and millions with depression are not getting access to the psychological therapies that could really help them recover.

Most GPs admit they are over-prescribing anti-depressant drugs and say more access to psychological ‘talking’ therapies would be helpful (2). NICE guidelines recommend that a range of psychological therapies should be available on the NHS. But thousands of people with depression still aren’t getting access to these effective alternatives to pills.

Last year government announced an increase in funding for talking therapies – they intend to increase spending on psychological therapies to £30 million this year. This is a welcome increase in spending but it is still more than ten times less than spending on anti-depressants.

Evidence shows that psychological therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are at least as effective as pills and can benefit people with severe mental illness as well as those with mild depression. Mental health campaigners want to make sure talking therapies reach every person with a mental illness who wants them.

It is vital however, that people who have been prescribed anti-depressants do not stop taking them without talking to a doctor. Suddenly stopping medication can be very dangerous. Anyone who is concerned should seek medical advice.

Rethink’s Paul Corry said:

“This study shows just how vital it is that NHS spending starts to match up with NICE guidelines. The doctors, the patients and campaigners like us have been telling government for years – spend NHS money on talking therapies and don’t just pour it into drugs. Some people do benefit from anti-depressants but they want talking therapies too. We need to get well-trained therapists ready to start delivering the services people need to get better.

“It is great news that there is going to be more cash for talking therapies but we do need to make sure that talking therapies are available to everyone who wants them, that includes people with severe mental illness, not just mild to moderate depression.

“Rethink and the University of York are launching a brand new service with Stoke Primary Care Trust that will see access to psychological therapies increased right across the area. This exciting initiative, the Healthy Minds Network, will finally enable GP’s to give their patients the services they know will benefit them.”

Rethink has spokespeople and case studies available. For further comment please contact the media team:

Katie Leason on 020 7330 9129 katie.leason@rethink.org

Hilary Caprani on 020 7330 9112 hilary.caprani@rethink.org

Vicky Trimikliniotis on 020 7330 9149 vicky.trimikliniotis@rethink.org

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1 Kirsch, Deacon, Huedo-Medina, Scoboria, Moore and Johnson (2008) Initial Severity and Antidepressant Benefits: A Meta-Analysis of Data Submitted to the Food and Drug Administration PLoS Med 5(2): e45. Doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.00050045

The study, from the University of Hull looks at clinical trials of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) which include some of the most commonly prescribed anti-depressants such as Fluoxeteine (Prozac) and Paroxeteine (Seroxat).

2 Mental Health Foundation (2005) Exercise Therapy and the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Depression in Primary Care. London MHF

3 For information about the Healthy Minds Network for Stoke Primary Care Trust contact Adam Whittaker of Stoke PCT on 01782 400511

About Rethink

Rethink, the leading national mental health membership charity, works to help everyone affected by severe mental illness recover a better quality of life. We aim to provide hope and empowerment through effective services and support to all those who need us and campaign for change through greater awareness and understanding.

For further information on the charity and its work, visit: www.rethink.org or call 0845 456 0455.

The Mental Health Shop was created by two leading mental health charities, Rethink and Mental Health Media, and features an array of books, leaflets, DVD's and videos on a range of mental health topics including recovery, treatment and discrimination. This unprecedented collaboration now allows for a ‘one stop shop’ combining a range of mental health publications and products. Visit www.mentalhealthshop.org

Hilary Caprani

Senior Media Officer

Rethink

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