Clegg pledge to end 'Prozac nation'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Mr Clegg said there was greater concern about the plight of battery hens, as he committed his party to a guarantee of NHS treatment for mental health problems within 13 weeks, or the patient will be entitled to go private.

Addressing the Guardian public services summit in St Albans, he pointed to the wide discrepancies in waiting times across the country, with some people having to wait more than three years for psychotherapy or counselling.

"Why is it that our television screens are full this week, rightly, with the suffering of battery-fed chickens but silent on the shameful way we treat the mentally ill in our midst?

"The most vulnerable people are waiting scandalously long for access to treatment when all the evidence shows that early intervention is vital."

He said that the absence of effective, long-term treatments meant that doctors were now prescribing anti-depressants in record numbers.

"Britain has become the true Prozac Nation. We must cut the number of anti-depressants prescribed by doctors," he said.

"Medication does have a role to play in tackling mental health problems, but they should not be the default option because of a lack of access to psychological therapies."