News

The availability of the latest drugs for people suffering from schizophrenia has been greeted as a breakthrough by Scotland’s largest mental health charity.

The Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) has welcomed the Health Technology Board for Scotland report on the use of newer (atypical) drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia. The report proposes the nationwide use of the newer drugs which cause fewer side effects in particular movement and muscular problems. Until now, health agencies have been reluctant to prescribe the newer drugs because they are more expensive.

Richard Norris, SAMH director of policy, said: "These guidelines should lead to more people being offered a wider choice of medications for their illness, and in particular, not having to take medication which leads to unacceptable side effects. The drugs don't cure the illness, and no one drug will work for everyone, but these drugs do seem better."

There are approximately 16,800 diagnosed cases of schizophrenia in Scotland with 1,000 new cases being diagnosed every year.

Norris did warn that while the new drugs would have beneficial effects they were insufficient on their own. SAMH is calling for all people with mental health problems to have access to a range of services such as psychological therapies, psychosocial interventions, and employment and housing support.

Norris said: "This needs to be paid for with new money, as mental health services are already fully stretched. In the long term this policy should save money, with reduced hospital admissions."

The Health Technology Board for Scotland report is available at www.htbs.co.uk