Mental Health Solicitors

Mental health charity Mind has called for more support for those taking antidepressants, after research by Mind shows that patient do not receive adequate information about the side effects of antidepressants.

The charity says that more support would help patients cope with the impact on relationships, work and social life.

Fresh analysis of the charity’s research from 2012 is published in the August issue of the journal Psychiatry Research.

The research is based on a survey of more than 1,000 people taking antidepressants – and reveals that nearly two-thirds (60%) of people taking antidepressants feel the medication affects at least one of five key areas of their lives, including sex life, work or study, social life, close relationships and independence.

Less than half (48%) of respondents felt they had been given enough information about side effects of their medication by the health professional prescribing it to them.

Recent figures show that the NHS dispensed a record number of antidepressants in 2016, the majority of which were prescribed by GPs or nurses working in GP practices.

Mind is calling for better training in mental health for GPs – and has also produced a guide for people taking, or thinking of taking, antidepressants.

Head of Information at Mind, Stephen Buckley, said:

“More people are taking antidepressants than ever before – and, while they can be effective in managing depression, the side effects can have a big impact on people’s quality of life.

“Anyone being prescribed antidepressants should be made aware of the possible side effects they might experience, so that they can weigh up the potential benefit against any negative impact on their health or other aspects of their lives.

“They should also have their treatment reviewed regularly, so that any problems can be identified and alternative treatments considered if appropriate.

“We would also welcome more research into the impact of antidepressants and other drugs on the whole person, so that the decision to take them can be even better informed.”

Professor John Read from the University of East London conducted the analysis of Mind’s research and added:

“Studies usually focus on the biological side effects of these drugs, but it seems other aspects of people’s lives can be equally effected.

“People taking antidepressants need to be warned about these effects, which can be very upsetting – especially in people who are already experiencing depression.

“It is also concerning that over half of people on antidepressants in this survey were also on one or more other psychiatric drugs – this polypharmacy, or “cocktail” approach to prescribing is on the increase, but it is not an evidence-based approach and clearly causes more adverse effects.”

Mind says that the research paper is available to view for free until the end of August 2017: READ, J., GEE, A., DIGGLE, J., BUTLER, H. (2017). The interpersonal adverse effects reported by 1,008 users of antidepressants; and the incremental impact of polypharmacy. Psychiatry Research.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals to advise on mental health law – and are available across England and Wales at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 020 3114 1124.