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CBT experiencing government 'push'

Tuesday 9th September 2008

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is receiving a boost from governments recognising its potential to help people suffering from mental health problems.

It is becoming the first choice of government strategy to help people with such illnesses, mainly depression, to stay in or return to work, Personnel Today reports.

Professor Richard Layard of the Centre for Economic Performance's Mental Health Group wants psychological centres offering CBT to be set up for doctors' referral of patients.

But the late Professor Phil Richardson of Essex University warned about the economics and long-term efficiency of this.

CBT theorises that recognising negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones can affect behaviour.

Occupational health adviser Helen Riches and psychoanalytical psychotherapist Annie Hargrave praised the benefits of CBT to the publication.

But Ms Hargrave warned it is not suitable for every case.

In more news to interest people in occupational therapy jobs, a doctor has expressed a hope that government investment in CBT will benefit those with schizophrenia in the future.

Dr Tim Kendall of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence told the Independent that he hoped the CBT investment for people with depression and anxiety would "filter through" to schizophrenics.

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