Trying to answer my own question, this might explain why CBT is being recommended left.right and centre:
“
In 2004, NICE conducted a systematic review of the evidence for the effectiveness
of interventions for depression and anxiety disorders. This showed that cognitive
behavioural therapy (CBT) was an effective first line treatment for a large amount of
common mental health morbidity, but that it was not readily available.
The evidence also showed that CBT could produce impressive recovery rates, and in many cases
better prevent relapse, compared with medication alone.
The programme is expected to generate net savings in excess of £300 million by
March 2015 through:
NHS savings through reductions in healthcare usage
Exchequer savings through helping 75,000 people move off welfare benefits
Economic gains to employers through reduced sickness absences.
By the end of 2016/17, a net financial benefit of £4,640 million is expected as the
provision and utilisation of accessible evidence based therapies increases. This will
be due primarily to prevention and early intervention particularly encouraging
reductions in sickness absence”.
ALSO:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/215808/dh_123993.pdf
see page 16 'Costs and savings associated with CBT provision for people with MUS (Medically unexplained symptoms)'