The British Government was urged to employ more psychotherapists to help people with mental health problems get back to work.
Researchers, led by Professor Lord Richard Layard of the London School of Economics Centre for Economic Performance's Mental Health Policy Group, published their findings in the Center's Depression Report on June 21, 2006. Lord Layard said an expansion of psychiatric services would pay for itself by cutting the cost of unemployment.
He further said that of the six million people suffering from depression, chronic anxiety or schizophrenia in the UK, half could be cured through a course of psychotherapy.
The report reveals the following striking facts:
- There are more mentally ill people on disability benefits than the total number of unemployed people collecting benefits
- One in six of all people suffer from depression or chronic anxiety, which affects one in three of all families
- Only a quarter of those who are ill are receiving any treatment - in most cases medication
- Modern evidence-based psychological therapy is as effective as medication and is preferred by the majority of patients
- In most areas, waiting lists are over nine months, if therapy is available at all
- A course of therapy costs £750 (US $1,378) and pays for itself in money saved on disability benefits and lost tax receipts
- We (The British National Health Service) can therefore provide a service in every area at no net cost. This would require 10,000 therapists and 250 local services, with 40 new services opened each year till 2013.
The report has the support of the Royal College of General Practitioners, as well as leading mental health charities – Mind, Rethink, Sane, the Mental Health Foundation and the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health.
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