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Written question asked by Shockat Adam (Independent (affiliation)) on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 May 2026. It was answered by Preet Kaur Gill (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Bipolar Disorder: Medical Treatments

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of commissioning an expert clinical review into the use of the Zamar Protocol for patients with severe treatment-resistant bipolar spectrum disorders who fall outside existing NICE guidance; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a pathway for the assessment and potential evaluation of such treatments within the NHS.

Answer

The Department has no current plans to commission an expert clinical review into the use of the Zamar Protocol for patients with severe treatment-resistant bipolar spectrum disorders.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has not considered the Zamar Protocol and its existing guideline on the assessment and management of bipolar disorder does not include recommendations on this intervention. NICE keeps its guidance under review through its established prioritisation process, which considers emerging evidence and the needs of the health and care system.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
3080
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Medical treatments Bipolar disorder
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk