Calling for an update to the NICE anxiety guideline
The British Psychoanalytic Council are one of 30 organisations supporting UKCP’s campaign calling for an urgent and thorough update to the NICE anxiety guideline.
We’ve signed a joint statement which has gained support from stakeholders across the mental health sector.
The number of adults seeking support for anxiety is rising.
Despite NHS Talking Therapies receiving almost half a million presenting complaints of either anxiety or stress related disorders in 2022-23, less than half of people that access treatment via NHS Talking Therapies reliably recover from their presenting issue.
The campaign is asking NICE to update the guideline so that it:
- aligns with other updated guidelines and latest diagnostic criteria
- includes guidance for addressing barriers to access for marginalised and hard-to-reach people
- increases the number of therapies available for anxiety to improve patient choice
- considers a broader range of high-quality evidence on treating anxiety, including service user experience, long-term and follow-up studies
We look forward to continuing this work with UKCP and other campaign partners to ensure that every person accessing NHS support for generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder receives timely, appropriate and high-quality care.
Greg Ross-Sampson, the CEO at the BPC said:
“We’re proud to join this initiative. As a Regulator focussed on patient safety, it’s important that the appropriate guidance is in place to help those suffering with anxiety and stress. People seeking support deserve a variety of options that consider a range of evidence and lead to recovery.”
You can support the campaign by asking your MP to sign the joint letter to NICE.
