Book on Prescription (BOP)

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends the Book on Prescription scheme to help people who are experiencing mild mental health problems including anxiety, depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. A book can be used as a first step in finding out about difficulties and developing strategies to overcome them, or in addition to other therapies. The book will contain practical ideas and suggestions for life style changes and strategies to manage difficulties.
 
The books available on prescription have been recommended by mental health practitioners and have been found useful by patients, families, friends and carers.
 
Most of the books are informed by the principles and practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and present self-help versions of the kind of therapy that would be offered by a psychologist or counsellor, allowing people to learn about their problem in privacy, at their own pace.
 
You can discuss the books available with your GP or mental health professional. Alternatively, you could check out the list at Portsmouth City PCT website - www.portspct.nhs.uk.