[maxtoralias]

I have seen first hand the results of anxiety, stress and depression and the effcts of these should not be underestimated as they can have a profound effect on families lives.
There has always been an inherrant suspicion of those claiming to suffer from such ailments as andyl has indicated, but for those who have genuine illnesses the effects are long lasting and more 'real' than any physical injury.
Anti-depressents and other forms of medication are only the start and I would agree that more counselling and other services are required to provide a more effective long term form of treatment.
I have seen ordinary people go from a rational, sensible state to being sectioned under the mental health act due in part to not being taken seriously in the first instance.
There are no stright forward answers though,as all of this treament costs a great deal of money which is difficult to meet from current NHS funding. The emotional cost, however, is incalcuable IMO