The COVID-19 pandemic is harming our mental health, and it’s affecting some more than others

When interpreting the results from this study, the recruitment method and representativeness of the sample need to be considered.

In his debut blog, Christian Dalton-Locke reviews a recent longitudinal (online survey) study, which looks at mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research finds that women, young adults, those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, and people with pre-existing mental health problems were affected worse than others.

[read the full story...]

Will the COVID-19 pandemic lead to a mental health pandemic?

marjan-blan-marjanblan-kVxhRBQUY2Q-unsplash

In his debut blog, KCL student George Bougas explores a recent longitudinal study looking at mental health outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.

[read the full story...]

Social security? Evidence about benefits and mental health

siora-photography-kY6HbkiauSc-unsplash

Andy Bell summarises a collection of recent academic research papers that have sought to understand the impact of a range of changes to the UK benefits system on people’s mental health.

[read the full story...]

Who do we help after an opiate overdose?

marlon-lara-nShBtdRHlNU-unsplash

Ian Hamilton reviews a recent US study exploring the incidence of treatment for opioid use disorder in people following a non-fatal opiate overdose.

[read the full story...]

Mental health and benefits insecurity

josh-appel-NeTPASr-bmQ-unsplash

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Dieneke Hubbeling critically analyses a recent study looking at mental health benefits insecurity, and concludes that it is important for clinicians to realise that there is probably no such thing as benefits security.

[read the full story...]

Poverty causes mental illness and vice versa: how can we end this vicious cycle?

karthikeyan-k-xOfsosk7rw4-unsplash

Andy Bell summarises a new international report that presents the causal links and mechanisms of action between poverty, anxiety and depression.

[read the full story...]

Alcohol: a drug in a class of its own

frank-luca-c-fbj_fTFUM-unsplash

Ian Hamilton summarises a systematic review published last week, which explores the role of alcohol use and drinking patterns in socioeconomic inequalities in mortality.

[read the full story...]

Universal Credit increases mental health problems, but not employment

lobostudio-hamburg-yBJw1up4n44-unsplash

Alan Simpson summarises a recent longitudinal study that explores the impact that UK welfare reform, specifically Universal Credit, has had on the mental health of people across England, Scotland and Wales.

[read the full story...]

Determinants of mental health: a briefing from the Commission for Equality in Mental Health

shutterstock_1314624404

Noortje Uphoff summarises a briefing from the Commission for Equality in Mental Health, which outlines how people from disadvantaged groups are more likely to be exposed to the factors that have a negative impact on our mental health.

[read the full story...]

Population-based approaches to improving mental health: a view from the USA

shutterstock_426728680

David Gunnell writes his debut elf blog on a recent review of population-based approaches to mental health. He calls for joined-up strategies across Government Departments to prevent mental illness and improve population mental health.

[read the full story...]