Health Minister announces investment in treatment for depression

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today launched a new treatment for people with mild or moderate depression.

‘Beating the Blues’ is a computer based cognitive behaviour therapy programme designed to be used by people with depression to treat their condition. Over £1million has been invested in the programme which will benefit up to 50,000 people across Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of ‘Beating the Blues’ at Finaghy Health Centre in Belfast, the Minister said: “Depression is the most common mental illness and can affect anyone at any stage of their lives.

"The introduction of ‘Beating the Blues’ is a welcome development in offering a further treatment for mild or moderate depression. It offers GPs an alternative to prescribing anti-depressants and people with depression will now have the choice of using this proven self help tool.”

Patients who avail of the ‘Beating the Blues’ programme can work through a series of eight sessions on a computer at home, in a library or wherever they feel most comfortable. The programme is confidential and secure. Following each session a report is sent to their GP so that progress can be monitored and appropriate action taken as required.

Notes to Editors:

1. ‘Beating the Blues’ was developed by Ultrasis and approved by NICE in 2006 for the treatment of mild or moderate depression.

2. Two thirds of GP practices in Northern Ireland will have access to the program by March next year with the remainder having access by December next year.

3. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0571. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned