Skip to main content
NEU Senior Regional Support Officer
The downgrading of depression
New guidance from Nice could strip those with severe symptoms from the support they need, writes RUTH HUNT
[Nils Werner/flickr/Creative Commons]

THE National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has published its draft guidelines on the treatment of depression — the first change in 12 years. 

In this it differentiates between what it calls mild, moderate and severe depression, with a so-called “menu” of treatment options available, to tempt healthcare providers and patients away from anti-depressants. 

It would be hard to argue against increasing choice. But still there are a few points that remain a concern, such as how decisions are made as to what group a patient belongs to, along with the pressure on services. More widely, why are the terms reactive and clinical not being used and why are these changes being made now?

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
RELIEVING THE STRAIN: Could some version of ‘hospital at h
Features / 9 April 2025
9 April 2025
Born from my communist social worker mother’s efforts to bridge healthcare gaps, Labour’s push for home-based care now risks becoming another avenue for the US corporate takeover of the NHS, writes RICHARD CLARKE
ELECTED TO PROTECT THE POOR: Work and Pensions Secretary Liz
Features / 2 April 2025
2 April 2025
Due to the actions of this government, the challenges facing those with disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, are nigh on insurmountable, argus RUTH HUNT
A person placing a swab from a Covid 19 lateral flow test in
Features / 15 March 2025
15 March 2025
The NHS continues to say Covid spreads primarily through ‘droplet and touch’ while the WHO emphasises airborne transmission, meaning vulnerable patients and healthcare workers face unnecessary risks, reports RUTH HUNT
Features / 8 February 2025
8 February 2025
PROFESSOR ANSELM ELDERGILL explains why this new piece of government legislation is giving cause for concern