Antidepressants – SNP breaks another manifesto promise

The SNP have broken yet another manifesto promise, as today's figures show that the number of anti-depressant defined daily doses increased by 7% between April 2009 and March 2010.

Mary Scanlon MSP, Scottish Conservative Health Spokesperson, says:

"This is another SNP broken promise. Its obsession with waiting time targets in the NHS results in mental health remaining a Cinderella service.

"The SNP manifesto promised development in counselling and talking therapies. This has not been delivered.

"Investment in mental health with early diagnosis and early intervention is critical to get patients the support and treatment they need - when they need it. Investment in mental health at the right time can save the NHS millions of pounds and enhance people's quality of life.

"One in three GP visits is for a mental health issue and up to 70% of prisoners and people with a drug and alcohol addiction have an underlying mental health issue. Patients with mental health problems still wait too long before they receive an accurate diagnosis and support and are parked on anti-depressants as a result. More patients should be given access to NHS24 online support therapies in the early stages of their illness to assist in the self management of their condition."

1) SNP 2007 manifesto p.37 states

"Improved early intervention can help prevent the development of serious mental health problems and
reduce over prescribing of anti-depressants. An SNP government will support the development of
mental health and wellbeing services, such as counselling and talking therapies, in each community
health partnership area, backed with ring-fenced funding to health boards and local authorities."

2) http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/6427.html

Figure 1 shows the number of D[efined] D[aily] D[ose] per capita increasing each year. Figures increased from 34.3 in April 2008 to 35.7 in March 2009, an increase of 4.1%. April 2009 to March 2010 also shows an increase, with the number of DDD per capital increasing from 35.7 to 38.2 (7.0%).

Back to all posts