Computer-based therapy should be available to all patients in England from April, says the government.

Patients with mild depression or anxiety should receive therapy instead of drugs, but there are long waiting lists around the country.

A trial of one computer programme - 'Beating the Blues' - found it more cost-effective than other treatments.

But experts warned computer-based therapy was not for everyone and access to therapists also needs to improve.

The Department of Health has issued new guidance for primary care trusts on how to implement computer-based therapy.

It is estimated that around one in five people will suffer from a bout of depression at some point in their lives.

Many patients still struggle to get an appointment with a therapist and it is key that it doesn't replace the pressure to invest in trained therapists

Dr Richard Vautrey, BMA

For those with mild or moderate depression or anxiety, psychological therapies should be tried before doctors prescribe medication.

But lack of access to therapy means GPs often have to give antidepressants because there is no other treatment.

Current waiting lists for cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) can be months, or even years.

For more information, click below.

Simon
Viewpoint Webteam

MAIN SOURCE: BBC News Online

HERTFORDSHIRE:

In Hertfordshire, commissioners are ahead of the game after purchasing 20 copies of an evidence based Computerised CBT programme for use across the county. Trialled as part of the Primary Care Pilots, it is hoped that many Hertfordshire residents will benefit from this development. However, there is still a long way to go both locally and nationally to ensure real choice for people with mental health problems.