PCU Supports UKCP Campaign for Updated NICE Anxiety Guideline

We are proud to support UKCP’s campaign calling for an urgent and thorough update to the NICE anxiety guideline. We are one of over 30 organisations and individuals who have signed the joint statement which has gained support from stakeholders across the mental health sector.

Rising Demand for Anxiety Support

The number of adults seeking support for anxiety is rising. Despite NHS Talking Therapies receiving almost half a million presenting complaints of either anxiety or stress related disorders in 2022-23, less than half of people that access treatment via NHS Talking Therapies reliably recover from their presenting issue.

What the Campaign is Asking For

The campaign is asking NICE to update the guideline so that it:
– aligns with other updated guidelines and latest diagnostic criteria
– includes guidance for addressing barriers to access for marginalised and hard-to-reach people
– increases the number of therapies available for anxiety to improve patient choice
– considers a broader range of high-quality evidence on treating anxiety, including service user experience, long-term and follow-up studies

PCU’s Support

We look forward to continuing this work with UKCP and other campaign partners to ensure that every person accessing NHS support for generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder receives timely, appropriate and high-quality care.

You can read more about the campaign’s key asks on UKCP’s website.

How You Can Help

You can support the campaign by asking your MP to sign the joint letter to NICE.