More training for support staff is needed to ensure signs of depression are recognised and treated among people with visual impairment, according to research by the Thomas Pocklington Trust.
The charity’s review, entitled ‘Visual Impairment, Depression and Access to Psychological Therapies’, found a clear association between visual impairment and increased prevalence of depression.
Dr Ian Petch, Department of Psychology, South West London and St George’s NHS Mental Health Trust and South West London Academic, Health and Social Care System, who carried out the review, added: ‘People with visual impairment told us that support staff, family and carers needed to be better included in initiatives to improve recognition of depression and access to services.
‘Support staff also said they needed to be equipped with necessary knowledge and skills to identify the possibility of depression and support access to appropriate services.’
Phil Ambler, research and policy director at Thomas Pocklington Trust, said: ‘It’s really important blind and partially sighted individuals can access the support services they need. We hope professionals recognise this and refer more people onto them.’
