The Royal College of Psychiatrists welcomes the NICE publication of the first guideline in 12 years to help clinicians identify, treat and manage depression in adults.
The new guideline has looked at the evidence on the treatment of new depressive episodes, chronic depression, preventing relapse, patient choice, and the organisation of, and access to, mental health services. It will allow patients to pick which treatment is right for them, in a shared decision-making discussion between them and their healthcare practitioner.
Dr Adrian James, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:
“Depression can be a severe and debilitating illness but with the right treatment and support most people can make a full recovery. The NICE guidance on depression offers evidence-based treatment options to patients - from psychological therapies to the prescribed use of antidepressants.
“The focus of the guidance, which will play an integral part in the treatment of depression in years to come is, rightly, on promoting shared decision making with patients. This can be achieved by having open conversations about the benefits and risks of different treatments, and how well their current treatment is working.
“This patient-centred approach will help clinicians to keep supporting those experiencing depression to make informed decisions about their care that is tailored to their individual needs.”
The Royal College of Psychiatrists will be reviewing the guidance in detail in due course.
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
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