SIGN Guideline on Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Mild to Moderate Depression

In 2005 a proposal by Depression Alliance Scotland for a guideline on the subject of treatments for mild to moderate depression other than medication was accepted by The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). SIGN publish evidence based clinical guidelines on a wide range of medical topics. The guidelines are used to translate research into practice, set and monitor standards, and promote clinical excellence in NHS Scotland.

SIGN are now looking for people with personal experience of depression and their friends, family and carers to share their experiences to help develop this guideline. We will support you through this process. If you would like more information, please contact us or you can speak to Karen Graham at SIGN: karen.graham2@nhs.net or phone 0131 718 5108.

Below is an extract from the SIGN newsletter: http://www.sign.ac.uk/pdf/pnljanuary2007.pdf

Mild to moderate depression

Have your say

"Care and treatment for depression may or may not include antidepressant medications. However individuals affected by depression often need a combination of different interventions to help recover from a condition which can have complex causes.  The guideline will take approximately two years to complete.

SIGN will begin to develop a new guideline on the management of mild to moderate depression in primary care. We have started to collect the issues that are important to patients and carers – can you help us identify these?

Whether you have experience of depression on a personal level (as a patient or carer) or through your job we would like to hear from you. We would like you to tell us:

• What the main issues for patients and carers are
  What areas patients and carers would like the guideline to address

By highlighting the issues that are important to you, our guideline is more likely to meet the needs and wishes of patients throughout their care. Send in any issues to me; karen.graham2@nhs.net or phone 0131 718 5108.

Become a group member

We are also looking for patients and carers to become involved in the development of this guideline. Do you suffer from depression and would like better access to services? Are you perhaps a carer of someone suffering from depression and would like to see more information and support available?

We’re giving you the opportunity to become involved so we can make sure that our guidelines reflect the views of patients and carers. This will not only help to improve the services you receive but can also help future patients avoid any problems you may have experienced.

By becoming involved you really can make a difference. If you would like to have a chat about becoming involved with SIGN please phone me on 0131 718 5108 or e-mail me; karen.graham2@nhs.net