Brian Iddon

Labour Party | Bolton South East

Dr Brian Iddon MP supports the launch of Depression Alliances’ new report ‘Daring to Choose’

27 May 2009

Dr Brian Iddon MP has sponsored an Early Day Motion which supports the launch of a new report by Depression Alliance called Daring to Choose. The report shows that one in two (50%) people with depression and anxiety feel that they are not informed of a choice of treatment for depression and anxiety.

'Daring to Choose' highlights challenges faced by people with anxiety and depression in getting their choice of treatment and services and calls for the Government to take action on the 10 recommendations for depression and anxiety treatment ahead of the Department of Health's 'New Horizons for Mental Health' strategy due out later this year.

Dr Iddon said,

"Many of my constituents will be suffering from depression and facing anxieties at this time, and many are not seeking help from medical professionals. This is a crucial time for the local health and social service to make sure that there is a full range of services and treatment available, but also that information on those services are being communicated to health professionals and patients alike. This is why I sponsored the 'Depression and its Treatment' EDM which I hope will raise awareness amongst fellow parliamentarians about this vitally important issue."

Emer O'Neill, Chief Executive, Depression Alliance, said,

"For people with depression and anxiety, choice can have an enormous impact on their recovery as it is fundamental in ensuring access to a personalised health service that is aligned with the complexity of their lives. We believe choice can empower people suffering from the debilitating condition of depression and anxiety so that they become partners in their treatment plan, leading ultimately to self-care."

Barriers to choice identified by the report include; a lack of capacity in local services; limited training on depression and anxiety for health professionals, and inadequate information for people with depression and anxiety.

Key findings from the report which surveyed 500 people with depression and anxiety include:

40% said that their doctor did not involve them in treatment choice for depression and/or anxiety

One in two (50%) of people with depression and anxiety felt they were not informed of a choice of antidepressants

47% of people who had seen a GP for help for depression and anxiety felt they were not given enough information about common side effects of anti-depressants

Depression Alliance's 10 recommendations for Choice are:

Prioritisation – within mental health depression and anxiety must become a specific national public health priority which is reflected in local commissioning

Extend and strengthen initiatives to combat stigma and discrimination

Implementation of NICE guidelines to make available the full range of treatment options (psychological, pharmacological, social and others) for people with depression and anxiety.

Ensure a diverse range of services are commissioned with patients being referred to a choice of accredited providers.

Services and care must reflect the needs and preferences of people with depression and anxiety

Provision of easily accessible and understandable evidence based information – beyond mere leaflets and to include the capacity to develop peer-support intervention

Empowerment of service users and carers

Culture change among health professionals through improved training and education on mental health

Personalised care for people with depression and anxiety

Proactive provision of information through choice advocates to support health professionals