January 23, 2019

expert reaction to updated NICE guidelines recommending digital CBT for mild depression in young people

Updated National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for mild depression in young people.

Dr Max Davie, Officer for Health Promotion for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

“This is a positive step and offers two clear advantages. Firstly, it will allow young people to access help more swiftly without having to go through conventional CAMHS pathways, and secondly, it is likely to prove beneficial to young people who find it hard to cope with treatment offered within clinic settings.

“However, there are question marks over how this can be made available via the NHS, so I look forward to hearing more detail in due course.”

Dr Bernadka Dubicka, Chair of the Child and Adolescent Faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:

“We know there is a huge demand for treatment, and digital CBT can be one option amongst others. Some young people may find this approach very helpful, but it is important that other options are available as some young people may prefer to have face-to-face treatment.”

Declared interests

None received.