News | Mental health

News

ADHD and central nervous system stimulant prescribing has increased by almost 70% in five years

The NHS Business Services Authority's 'Medicines used in mental health' report covers five types of mental health medication prescribed in England and dispensed in the community.…

Published: 13 March 2023

News

Give prescribers access to non-drug alternatives to antidepressants and opioids, says NHS

In a new framework, NHS England recommends alternative treatment options, such as psychotherapy, health coaching and pain or sleep clinics, are commissioned locally.…

Published: 2 March 2023

Feature

Untangling anorexia: psychedelics offer hope for a neglected condition

Anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder yet there are no medicines licensed globally to treat it; however, that might be about to change.…

Published: 2 March 2023

News

Apps for treatment of anxiety and depression in adults provisionally approved by NICE

The eight digital therapies include treatments for body dysmorphic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.…

Published: 1 March 2023

News

Specialist mental health training pathway for pharmacists in England extended by two years

There will be 70 funded places available on the training pathway for each year.…

Published: 8 February 2023

News

Draft NICE quality standard says adults stopping antidepressants should be supported to taper the dose slowly

The draft guidance says tapering antidepressants will help to reduce withdrawal effects and long-term dependence.…

Published: 18 January 2023

News

Nearly three-quarters of pharmacy staff considered leaving profession in the past year, finds RPS survey

The proportion of pharmacy staff who have thought about leaving their role or the profession has significantly increased over the past year, from 32% in 2021 to 73% in 2022.…

Published: 12 January 2023

News

Quarter of hospitalised patients taking clozapine admitted with infection, study finds

Researchers found 25% of patients hospitalised while taking clozapine had an infection, and highlighted that safety protocols around the drug tend to focus on other side effects.…

Published: 6 January 2023

Feature

Infographic: 2022 unwrapped

What a year — there’s certainly been no shortage of health-related news, from a merry-go-round of health secretaries (and, of course, prime ministers), to COVID-19, mpox, medicines shortages, strike action and much more. Here, we guide you through the year in pharmacy.…

Published: 21 December 2022

Feature

Psilocybin: a psychedelic alternative to antidepressants?

Decades on from its widespread use as a recreational drug during the 1960s, research shows that psilocybin could be a credible treatment for symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders.…

Published: 15 December 2022