Identification and care pathways for common mental health disorders: summary of NICE guidance

At any one time, as many as 15% of people in the United Kingdom1 experience common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These may cause considerable impairment and disability, with high costs for both the person and society. Most people who are diagnosed with a common mental health disorder (about 80%) are treated in primary care2; however, there is widespread under-recognition of depression and anxiety disorders.3 4

This article summarises the most recent recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to improve identification of common mental health disorders, access to services, and pathways to care.5 The guideline also adopted or adapted treatment recommendations from existing NICE guidance on depression,6 7 generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder,8 post-traumatic stress disorder,9 obsessive-compulsive disorder,10 and antenatal and postnatal mental health11 and organised them into a common stepped care framework.