Royal College of Psychiatrists Issues Public Apology for Decades

The Royal College of Psychiatrists is issuing a public apology for decades of mismanagement and misdiagnosis in mental health services. The college says that mental health staff have been too focused on treating symptoms rather than exploring how past traumatic experiences can still affect patients.

The college is apologizing for what it describes as decades of mismanagement and misdiagnosis in the UK's mental health services. The report details how treatment has sometimes been inappropriate, while people have been re-traumatised. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Decades of Mismanagement and Misdiagnosis

He also shared steps were being taken to better support children and young people with additional training being provided to mental health support teams in schools and colleges.

If you've been affected Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK.

People sexually abused as children who seek help in later life for mental health problems are being failed The Royal College of Psychiatrists is issuing a public apology for what is says is decades of mismanagement and misdiagnosis in the UK.

Failing Child Abuse Details and Timeline

For some, it has worsened their traumas, it stated.

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The college stated mental health staff have been too focussed on treating symptoms rather than exploring how past traumatic experiences can still affect patients.

Support is improving, it stated, but there must be better training and more investment. One of the biggest problems is services have too little time to spend with these patients, it adds.

The apology has been included in a report Author and immediate past president of the college, Dr Lade Smith, stated she was "sorry" that, too often, victims have suffered "avoidable harm when seeking help".

The report details how treatment has sometimes been inappropriate, while people have been re-traumatised Dr Smith informed the BBC it was clear people were not getting the support they needed, and that this was not just a failing of psychiatrists, but the whole mental health system.

"Services are so fragmented. The system is set up to provide short, discreet episodes of care. Psychiatrists do not get the time to build up a relationship with patients so they can be properly supported.