Botox clinics set up to track clients for their mental health problems

Clinics offering cosmetic procedures such as Botox and fillers will introduce additional controls to screen clients with mental health problems, it was announced.

The staff of some providers will be trained to detect problems such as body dysmorphic disorder, which makes people obsessed with perceived perceived defects, and directs clients to NHS services when necessary.

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners has decided to introduce new rules for its members following a meeting with the NHS England.

Professor Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of the NHS, welcomed the additional checks, but warned that vendors who are not board members will not have to comply with the code of practice.

"Cosmetics companies impose stricter controls to protect young people's mental health is an important step forward, but voluntary measures of their own mental health will all too often be left in the hands of providers acting as a law in itself", he declared.

"We know that appearance is one of the things that matters most to young people, and the bombardment of idealized images and the availability of quick repair procedures contribute to fueling an epidemic of mental and physical health." d & # 39; anxiety.

"The NHS long-term plan expands mental health services to some of the best in the world, but we can not just take matters into our own hands. We need all components of society to exercise due diligence and act to prevent preventable damage.

All cosmetic practitioners registered with the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners will have to meet the new criteria, which include evaluating all clients to see if they are fit for treatment.

Superdrug, which offers Botox and dermal fillers at its flagship store in London, agreed in January to track clients' mental health issues before proceeding with the procedures.

This decision comes after Professor Powis wrote to the pharmacy chain to express his concern.

Kitty Wallace, of the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation (BDD), said, "Cosmetic procedures like Botox, which are now widely used in shopping streets, put people at risk and can have a negative impact on the mental health of young people.

"We know that people with BDD are more likely to turn to" fast fix "procedures that ultimately do not treat or help the underlying psychological state. BDD affects one in 50 people, causes significant distress and has a huge impact on quality of life.

"It's great to see the NHS and the professionals leading the radical change, but now we need all the elements of society to change their minds and take action to protect the vulnerable."