Warnings of a looming crisis in mental health

a LOOMING mental health crisis fuelled by the pandemic and economic recession means lengthy waiting times for treatment may get a lot worse, psychiatrists predicted yesterday.

It came after new research showed twofifths of psychiatric patients waiting for appointments end up in a&e or needing crisis services. patients with severe mental illnesses, including eating disorders and post-traumatic stress, can face months of delays before they see an NHs specialist.

The royal College of psychiatrists surveyed more than 500 patients to uncover the impact of waits between referral and an appointment. Nearly two-thirds had to wait more than four weeks – while one in four waited more than three months. Others told how it was up to four years before they were treated for depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. a total of 39 per cent said these long waiting times had led to a deterioration in mental health, with potentially devastating consequences.

almost a fifth said they had caused problems at work, such as losing a job, and oane third said it had led to relationship difficulties, including family breakdown. Dr Kate Lovett, Dean of the College, said: ‘ even before the pandemic hit, mental health services were not keeping up with demand.

‘But the looming mental health crisis fuelled by the pandemic and the economic recession means waiting times could get a lot worse.’

The college said the long waits are largely down to a shortage of psychiatrists and other mental health specialists.