Medical Interventions

The use of psychiatric medications has expanded dramatically in recent years.  In 2005, doctors in England alone wrote 29 million prescriptions for anri-depressant drugs, costing ever £400 million to the NHS (Wilkinson and Pickett, 2009).

However, analysis of juvenile depresion studies with long established anti-depressants (tricyclic anti-depressants) have revealed discouragengly little benefit, while side effects have been profound (Mannel and Seelinger, 2007).  Such drug therapies are supposed to address difficulties with emotions and coping and patients are given the message that these medications are easy to take and have few negative side effects.

However, a study examining internet message boards (Davis-Berman and Pestello, 2008) found that the medical treatment of depression was often worse than the illness, damaging individuals sense of self and their ability to interact with others.  The side effects noted were weight gain, hostile behaviour, self-harm and an increased risk of suicide. This could be an example of clinical iatrogenesis, in which patients suffer harm due to the medication they are prescribed by doctors (Illich, 1977).

Policy Implications

There have been a number of policies implemented which aim to improve mental health and depression within society. For example The Depression Report (London School of Economics and Political Science, 2006), Choosing Health (DH, 2004) and New Horiszons (DH, 2009).

The Depression Report: aims by 2013 to have 250 teams of 40 therapist available to treat 800,000 people per year. Using new forward looking therapies which offer longer lasting effects (London School of Economics and Political Science,2006). 

The fundamental aim of Choosing Health is to 'create a society where more people, particularly those in disadvantaged groups or area, are encouraged and enabled to make healthier choices' (DH, 2004 p.11). Working together with different agencies to strengthen support for people with mental health problems.

New Horizons
aims to create more mentally healthy communities and to continue to improve services already available, focusing on preventing and maintaing good health. By 2020 some of New Horizons hopes are that everyone will know the importance of good mental health and have the knowledge to keep their own mental health. The New Horizon vision for 2020 is that there will be a better understanding of why poorer people are more likely to have mental health problems, both for the government and wider society in order to prevent the ongoing stigmatization of those who experience mental illness.  The programme hopes to develop improved medication with fewer side effects (DH, 2009).