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Therapists'
anger at NHS "downplaying" of counselling and psychotherapy
April
15, 2009
by Angela Hussain
.......
Psychotherapists
and counsellors are angry that the NHS is doubting the efficacy
of counselling and psychotherapy for depression.
National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) 2004
guidelines on the treatment of depression prioritise CBT and interpersonal
therapy for depression.
But
the clinical advisory body also recommends counselling and psychodynamic
psychotherapy for mild to moderate depression.
But NICE's new draft revised guidelines
state patients should be explained about the "uncertainty"
of the effectiveness of counselling and
short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for depression.
The
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) has accused
NICE of unjustifiably "downplaying" counselling and psychotherapy
and denying patient choice.
"While
the tone of these statements does not inspire confidence in counselling
and psychotherapy, the impact on choice of therapy is of major concern,"
said
Lynne Gabriel, chair of BACP.
Dr Gabriel said the
BACP would make a "robust" response to NICE.
She
said: "In
our response, we will question the rationale and methodology that
informs the NICE downgrading of counselling and psychotherapy as
therapies of choice for mild to moderate depression."
Read for
yourself:
NICE'S
draft revised guidelines on the treatment and management of depression
for adults
See also:
Psychiatric
diagnoses
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