Disgrace of ageism

Too many older people are being prescribed antidepressants, according to a study by University College London and Bristol University.

Four in ten people over the age of 75 have depression, yet fewer than four per cent are referred for the talking therapies that we know are effective ( such as cognitive behavioural therapy).

This is disgraceful. It is a clear example of the ageism that is rife in the NHS. I worked in one clinic dedicated to geriatric mental health where we didn’t have a single psychologist. Antidepressants were our only recourse.

This attitude is based on the belief that old people won’t change their thinking to boost their mental health. Yet there’s good evidence this age group responds just as well to therapy — and it’s their right to access it.