There have been recent articles in the press claiming that Depression Alliance receives 80% of its funding from the pharmaceutical industry. This is simply not true and despite our best efforts to have retractions printed we have now had to refer our complaints to the Press Complaints Commission.

The correct figure for pharmaceutical sector funding is no more than 25% for any given year since 2002. This funding comprises unrestricted grants, adheres to our policy on all donations, and complies with legal requirements set under Charity Law. Furthermore the accounts are published and readily available in the public domain.

In the last 3 years we have seen our government grants fall by half - that short-fall has to be bridged if Depression Alliance is to continue its work. Perhaps the question we need to be asking is not where funding is coming from but where it is not?

There are those who are trying to promote the message that depression is an invention of the pharmaceutical industry and that Depression Alliance is 'disease-mongering'. It is at worst mischievous, and, at best, naïve to deconstruct the reality of what is, for many, a severe and enduring mental illness and to question or undermine people's lives experience of it.

Depression Alliance, during its quarter century of work, has also consistently lobbied and advised against the inappropriate medicalisation of human distress. The charity works to help maintain a balanced view at all times and eliminate the stigma, discrimination and social exclusion experienced by people with this condition. We do not advocate any therapy over another but seek to provide information, support and understanding so that people are able to make their own, informed choices.

If you feel strongly about this issue please email us and let us know what you think.

Brain 'Pacemaker' - A New Treatment! [top]

Scientists believe that a new treatment which regulates the brain may be an effective treatment for depression. Further research needs to be done on this potential new treatment and it is not yet available in the UK but try these links for more information:

Brain pacemaker to beat depression (BBC)

Brain 'pacemaker' has long-term effects on depression (New Scientist)

Brain 'pacemaker' can lift depression

Pacemaker 'cure' for depression (The Scotsman)

New Guidelines for Antidepressants [top]

Depression is one of the most common conditions in the UK, affecting one in five people at some stage in their life. It is also one of the most misunderstood. The World Health Organisation estimates that by 2020 depression will be the biggest global health concern after chronic heart disease.

Depression costs society billions of pounds each year. It is a debilitating, life-threatening disease which can cause a person to withdraw from society. Family life is compromised and job prospects are threatened.

The MHRA has today released information guiding healthcare professionals in the prescription of antidepressants. They have said that the newer antidepressants, SSRIs, are "effective medicines in the treatment of depression and anxiety conditions". The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has also released guidelines which state that "When an antidepressant is prescribed in routine care, it should be a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), because SSRIs are as effective as tricyclic antidepressants and are less likely to be discontinued because of side-effects."

The NICE guidelines also state that "Antidepressants are not recommended for the initial treatment of mild depression because the risk-benefit ratio is poor."

People affected by depression should be offered a range of treatments including medication where appropriate, talking treatments and self-help options. Talking treatments remain limited by resource and depression self-help organisations are under-funded by the Government. Services for depression remain, at best, patchy across the UK.

Depression Alliance says:

"Depression is still an under-diagnosed condition and we are worried that today's announcement may stop people visiting their GP if they think they may be ill. There is also a very real danger of people stopping their treatment suddenly. It is important that anyone who has concerns about their medication consults a doctor or pharmacist for proper medical advice.

"Antidepressants are a valuable form of treatment for many people affected by depression, but these medicines work best in combination with other therapies - therapies that are largely unavailable in many areas, forcing GPs to prescribe in isolation of them. We want people to be aware of the many types of treatment available, such as self-help and talking therapies, and we encourage them to look at all the options available to them to help combat their illness. "

Click here to find out how the new guidelines will affect you.


Volunteering combats depression [top]

Depression Alliance welcomes the research carried out by ICM on behalf of CSV, which states that volunteering can help combat depression and stress. Click here for more information.

Half of the people surveyed (48%) who had volunteered for more than two years said that volunteering makes them less depressed.
71% of volunteers who offered their professional skills and experience say volunteering helps combat depression.

Depression Alliance has been able to achieve its status as the leading UK charity for people with depression largely due to the enthusiasm and dedication of the many volunteers who have given their time over the years. Volunteers make it possible for Depression Alliance to carry out its vital work, whether as Group Organisers, Correspondence Secretaries, Media Case Studies or the team of administration and clerical staff who work so hard to ensure that the many requests we receive for information are answered.

It is thanks to volunteers that Depression Alliance is able to help thousands of people every year.