News Release: 26 February 2008
In response to the publication today in the Public Library of Science of new research into the effectiveness of anti-depressants, Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“We have become vastly over-reliant on antidepressants when there is a range of alternatives. Without radical action we will continue to rely on these often ineffective treatments.
It is time for us to follow Scotland’s lead and to set national targets to control the use of antidepressants. Talking therapies, exercise referral and other treatments are effective for depression.
It is a problem that needs a variety of approaches matched to the individual patient. But many of the most effective treatments will not become available without national leadership to shift spending away from medication and to give both GPs and patients an alternative.”
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For more information, please contact the Mental Health Foundation’s press office team on press@mhf.org.uk or
020 7803 1126 / 1128.
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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