§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the recent National Institute for Clinical Excellence reviews of schizophrenia and electro-convulsive therapy; and what impact the recommendations contained will have on policy towards mental health. [115138]
§ Ms BlearsThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has within the last 12 months published technology appraisal guidance on the use of atypical anti-psychotics in schizophrenia and on the use of electro-convulsive therapy, as well as a clinical498W guideline on the treatment and management of schizophrenia in primary and secondary care. We welcome this guidance from NICE, which will assist in the on-going programme of mental health service modernisation.
§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the national health service plans to invest in research into the benefits of alternatives to medication in the treatment of mental ill health in the next five years. [115377]
§ Ms BlearsThere are many different approaches to treatment and care for people with mental health problems, including approaches such as assertive outreach; self-help; individual and family approaches to psychological therapy. Information about the levels of investment in research in all these areas, and a list of future priorities is available on the Department of Health website at ww.doh.gov.uk/research/.