Now antidepressant pills are going digital

PILLS will be replaced by ‘digital’ antidepressants for tens of thousands of patients with conditions such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress and body dysmorphic disorder.

The NHS hopes offering apps and online courses will speed up access to treatment and reduce reliance on medication. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) estimates around 40,000 patients could benefit.

They will be able to access the services – including online cognitive behavioural therapy and guided self-help courses – only after formal assessment by an NHS therapist. Mark Chapman, of Nice, said the ‘tried and tested’ methods had shown ‘promise’.