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Tories Plan To Make Mental Health ESA Claimants Prove They Are Really Depressed

Prove You're Depressed, Or We'll Strip Your Benefits
Jessica Elgot
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Current rules mean that people cannot be forced into treatment (file photo)
sturti via Getty Images

Critics have expressed horror at Tory plans to make benefit claimants prove they suffer from anxiety or depression, or risk having their payments cut.

Current rules mean that people cannot be forced into treatment, like psychological therapy, as a condition of receiving their sickness benefits. But the Telegraph reported high-level discussion at the Department of Health and the Department for Work and Pensions are currently ongoing to require hundreds of thousands of people to undergo treatment, if they are declared unfit for work due to mental health problems.

Government statistics show 46% of people receiving £101 a week Employment and Support Allowance have mental health issues, meaning that new rules could apply to 260,000 people.

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The plans have come under fire from high-profile Tory backbencher and former GP Sarah Wollaston.

One trial began last month, the Telegraph said, looking at combining “talking therapies” with employment support at JobCentres. Three more are planned for later this summer.

A senior government source told the paper “a huge number” of claimants on ESA who cannot work have treatable mental health issues. “We know that depression and anxiety are treatable conditions. Cognitive behavioural therapies work and they get people stable again but you can’t mandate people to take that treatment,” the source said.

“But there are loads of people who claim ESA who undergo no treatment whatsoever. It is bizarre. This is a real problem because we want people to get better. These are areas we need to explore. The taxpayer has committed a lot of money but the idea was never to sustain them for years and years on benefit. We think it’s time for a rethink.

“At some point something has to be done. Right now it’s an open ended contract.”

Campaigners took to social media to decry the plans.

The main problem for the Tories could be convincing Lib Dem colleagues. Norman Lamb, the Lib Dem health minister was "not a sensible idea".

"The idea that you frogmarch someone into therapy with the threat of a loss of benefits simply won't work," he said. "It is not a question of whether tough love is a good concept.

"You actually need someone to go into therapy willingly."

17 Facts About Depression
It's Not Just About Being Sad (01 of17)
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There’s more to depression than just feeling sad all the time, says Dr. Prakash Masand, a psychiatrist and president of Global Medical Education. Symptoms of depression can include psychomotor (cognitive functions and physical movement) activity changes, trouble sleeping, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, decreased energy, trouble concentrating, appetite changes, while others may also have suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Who Has It?(02 of17)
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One in six people will develop major depression in their lifetime, Masand says. "Major depression affects 121 million people worldwide. Two out of three individuals with depression do not receive adequate treatment."
The Issue Of Suicide (03 of17)
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Depressed individuals are five times more likely to commit suicide, Masand says. In Canada, a 2009 report from Statistics Canada found depression was the most common illness among those who committed suicide, with approximately 60 per cent suffering from this condition. That year, there were 3,890 suicides in Canada,
It Doesn't Mean You Can't Live Your Life(04 of17)
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Being diagnosed with depression doesn't have to stop you from living your day-to-day life or seeking professional help. Most people would never guess celebrities like Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel and J.K. Rowling all battled depression.
It Can Be Expensive (05 of17)
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In Canada, one 2012 report found depressed workers who take a leave of absence or schedule in doctor or therapy appointments during work hours, can cost an employer up to $18,000.
New Moms Can Get Hit (06 of17)
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Masand says one in 10 new mothers will develop postpartum depression. "This is by no means a character flaw or weakness. Symptoms of depression or the 'baby blues' can occur in many women." Mothers who feel like they do have symptoms should seek treatment and not put it off.
Women Are More Likely To Be Depressed (07 of17)
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Masand says women are twice as likely to develop depression as men, and although depression can strike at any age, the average age of onset is 32.
You're More Likely To Have A Heart Attack(08 of17)
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Patients with depression are also more likely to have heart attacks and strokes compared to non-depressed individuals, Masand adds. Researchers note some symptoms of depression can reduce your overall physical and mental health, which increases your risk of heart disease or make symptoms of heart disease worse.
It's Not Just Adults (09 of17)
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One out of 10 adolescents will have depressive disorder by the time they're 18, Masand says. "Compared to adults, children with depression may be more likely to present temper tantrums, somatic complaints, social withdrawal and mood liability."
It Doesn't Always "Go Away" (10 of17)
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If you are seeking treatment or taking antidepressants, Masand adds it's not as simple as being symptom-free in a few weeks. "Medications take time to work, and a 10 to 12 week trial is necessary to achieve remission," he says. He also adds cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy are good options to moderate depression.
Depression And Bipolar Disorder Are Not The Same (11 of17)
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Sometimes, people are misdiagnosed or use the two conditions interchangeably. Masand says healthcare professionals should also ask about the history of a patient's experience with hypomania and mania — both of which are linked to being bipolar.
Sometimes Being SAD Is More Than Just SAD (12 of17)
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Many patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is winter depression, have undiagnosed bipolar disorder, Masand says. Again, this can be tracked by looking at the patient's medical history, and experience with hypomania and mood levels. Often, professionals (and patients) wait around for the weather to get better to feel better.
Exercise And Yoga Can Help(13 of17)
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Masand says studies have shown exercise and yoga can be very helpful with patients with depression. "When you exercise, you release endorphins, a chemical in the brain that brings about a positive feeling over the body." The benefits of exercising in general include longer and deeper sleep, improved self-esteem and confidence, reduced stress and alleviated depression and anxiety.
How Is It Diagnosed? (14 of17)
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There are no laboratory tests or brain scans that can diagnose depression, Masand says. Instead, doctors talk to patients about family history, look for depression symptoms and at the same time, rule out other conditions to narrow down depression.
Hidden Causes (15 of17)
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Masand says many medications like steroids or isotretinoin have been linked to causing depression. If you recently started taking a new medication and are feeling the symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects.
The Link Between Antidepressants And Suicidal Thoughts (16 of17)
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Antidepressants don’t usually increase suicidal thoughts and suicidal tendencies, Masand says, but some studies have shown a correlation with an increased risk in some patients. In particular, children, teens and those under 24 tend to have a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts. In this case, anyone under 24 should be monitored extra carefully for any suicidal behaviour.
Resiliency Can Be A Good Thing (17 of17)
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People with the resiliency trait are less likely to develop depression. "The reason for this isn’t totally understood, but resilient people typically have a stronger belief in themselves, don’t let adversity bring them down and are more confident," Masand says. He adds these types of behaviours are also taught in therapy.
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