PCS general secretary FRAN HEATHCOTE explains why opposing war is inseparable from defending jobs, wages and public services – and why readers should come to the London Peace Conference on Saturday June 20
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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]
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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?
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