Prevention concordat for better mental health: consensus statement

Describes the consensus statement of the prevention concordat for better mental health and lists the signatories. Click here to access government policy paper

You Can Change Your Personality, But it Takes Persistence

While it has been long believed that people can’t change their personalities, a review of recent research shows it is possible to change personality traits through persistent intervention and major life events. Read PsychCentral article here

MRI Study Finds Brain Structure Differences in Teens with Mental Health Issues

A new Canadian study has found brain structure differences between adolescents struggling with mental health issues and their healthy peers. Read PsychCentral article here

Few Apps for Depression & Suicide Prevention Meet Clinical Guidelines

Most (93 percent) mobile apps for suicide prevention and depression management do not provide all six suicide prevention strategies commonly recommended in international clinical guidelines, according to a new study led by Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.

Click here for link to PsychCentral

Click here for link to original research - Any access problems please ring the library on 01905 760601

Why NHS is front and centre of Queen's Speech

The government has put the NHS front and centre of the Queen's speech. Read news piece here

New advice released to support those with eating disorders at Christmas

The NHS and leading eating disorder charity Beat have drawn up new guidance to help people of all ages suffering with an illness and their families cope over the festive season. Click here to read NHS news piece

Use of out-of-area rehabilitation placements for adults with complex psychosis should be curtailed says NICE

A new draft NICE guideline published today (20 December 2019) on the rehabilitation of adults with complex psychosis and related mental health conditions says they should have access to rehabilitation services in their local area and the use of out-of-area placements limited. Click here to read NICE news piece

Mental Health Foundation's reaction to the Queen's Speech

Commenting on the Queen’s Speech today, Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said: click here to find out what Mark said

Trusts told to create ‘dedicated A&E space’ for mental health patients

Every emergency department in London has been advised to create “dedicated space” to care for three mental health patients, due to concerns over long waiting times for people in crisis. To access HSJ click here and ring the library 01905 760601 for access password

The State Of Medical Education And Practice In The UK: 2019

See link to report here from King's Fund blog

Implementing routine outcome monitoring in specialist perinatal mental health services

This document focuses on good practice examples, tools, tips and information to help perinatal mental health (PMH) services embed appropriate perinatal mental health outcomes measures at a local level, using outcome measures that are already part of the Mental Health Services Dataset. Click here for link to government site

Self-Harm Patients in ER at High Risk of Suicide the Next Year

A new California study shows that self-harm patients who presented to a hospital emergency department had a suicide rate in the year after their visit 56.8 times higher than those of demographically similar residents. Click here for PsychCentral article

Women Who Survive Domestic Abuse Face Double the Risk of Long-Term Illnesses

Female survivors of domestic abuse are at double the risk of developing long-term illnesses that cause widespread bodily pain and extreme tiredness, according to a new study.

The study, from researchers at the University of Birmingham and the University of Warwick in the U.K., found that women who have experienced domestic abuse are almost twice as likely to develop fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) than those who have not. Click here for link to PsychCentral article

Experts review evidence yoga is good for the brain

Scientists have known for decades that aerobic exercise strengthens the brain and contributes to the growth of new neurons, but few studies have examined how yoga affects the brain. A review of the science finds evidence that yoga enhances many of the same brain structures and functions that benefit from aerobic exercise. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Sleep and our struggles with it chosen as the theme for mental health awareness week 2020

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 will be Sleep, the Mental Health Foundation announced today. Click here to read MHF news piece

‘Safety Signals’ May Help Reduce Anxiety

For those struggling with anxiety disorders, using a “safety signal” — a symbol or sound never identified with a negative event — may help relieve some of their fear, according to new research in both humans and mice at Yale University and Weill Cornell Medicine. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Study reveals increased cannabis use in individuals with depression

New findings reveal the prevalence of cannabis, or marijuana, use in the United States increased from 2005 to 2017 among persons with and without depression and was approximately twice as common among those with depression in 2017. Click here for ScienceDaily article

Bullying Can Undermine Mental Health of Both Parties

New research suggests there is a two-way relationship between bullying perpetration and mental health problems among youth in the United States. Investigators discovered that bullying perpetration increased the risk of developing internalizing problems, and having internalizing problems increased the probability of bullying others. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Mental health trusts to share chair

Two mental health trusts in the East Midlands will share a joint chair from next year.  Click here for link. To access Health Service Journal and the full text of the article you will need a password. Please contact the library on 01905 760601

How Older Married Couples Face Chronic Health Conditions

As married couples age and develop chronic health conditions, the daily demands of coping with their own health issues as well as those of their spouse may take a mental toll, according to a new study at the University of Michigan (U-M). Read PsychCentral article here

State of a generation: Preventing mental health problems in children and young people

As part of the Mental Health Foundation’s 70th anniversary, we have commissioned three reports, each looking at a different stage in life and the key things that both challenge and support mental health at these stages. Click here to go to website

Improving Mental Health Services In Systems Of Integrated And Accountable Care: Emerging Lessons And Priorities

The Royal College of Psychiatrists report sets out recommendations for local and national health and care leaders to support the prioritisation of mental health as local areas develop into integrated care systems (ICSs). View King's Blog here

From dog-petting to desk yoga: do 'wellbeing weeks' make university less stressful?

Debt, academic pressure and social isolation are piling pressure on students, but what’s the best way of boosting mental health? Read newspaper article here

Aerobic Exercise, Heart-Healthy Diet May Ward Off Memory Issues

A new study suggests that a six-month aerobic exercise regimen and heart-healthy diet improves one’s ability to think, remember and make decisions, and may ward off mild cognitive impairment, or cognitive impairment without dementia (CIND). Read PsychCentral article here

Estimating Need In Older People: Findings For England

This report outlines how ill health, poverty, unmet needs for care and support, poor housing, loneliness and social isolation are profound challenges for many older people. It estimates the numbers and percentages of people aged 65 and over in England with these disadvantages, and collates insights from older people’s own voices about the experience of living with them. Click here to read King's Fund blog report

We can all help to prevent suicide - charity says on World Mental Health Day

Click here for link to Mental Health Foundation website

Prevention and mental health paper

This resource provides information on the scale of mental health problems in society, what shapes our mental health, an integrated model of mental health, how life events can affect mental health, the relationship between physical and mental health, the meaning of prevention and how society must change to put prevention front and centre.  It is aimed at policymakers, health professionals, mental health advocates and their families and friends. Click here for report

Daily Cannabis Can Cut Illicit Opioid Use For Those With Chronic Pain

For people in chronic pain who are tempted to use illicit opioids, a new study reveals that cannabis can act as an effective and much less dangerous alternative to help manage pain. Click here for PsychCentral article

Concussions in high school athletes may be a risk factor for suicide

Concussion, the most common form of traumatic brain injury, has been linked to an increased risk of depression and suicide in adults. Now new research suggests high school students with a history of sports-related concussions might be at an increased risk for suicide completion.Read ScienceDaily article here

“Struggle is normal” - managing your mental health at university

With 25 years’ experience of working with students, Sarah Littlejohn offers her thoughts on how universities, staff and peers can help manage students’ mental health. Read article here

Harnessing the Power of Technology for Mental Health

In this Director’s Message, Dr. Gordon discusses the potential that technology holds for expanding the reach of mental health care. Read NIMH blog here

Mental health and your heart

Looking after yourself can be tough when you’re living with a mental health problem. By taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle you can improve your overall health and feel better.  Click here to read British Heart Foundation article

Profiting from the bed shortage

HSJ’s fortnightly briefing covering safety, quality, performance and finances in the mental health sector. Click here to read briefing

Side effects mild, brief with single antidepressant dose of intravenous ketamine

Researchers found that a single, low-dose ketamine infusion was relatively free of side effects for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Read ScienceDaily article here

Just what the doctor ordered: Take a yoga class and depression, anxiety improve

Scientific studies already support yoga practice as a means to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Now a new study provides evidence that yoga and breathing exercises can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in both the short term -- with each session as well as cumulatively in the longer term, over three months. Read ScienceDaily article here

Royal College of Occupational Therapists outlines new Research and Development Strategy

Click here for details

Mum's fight to have son's inquest verdict overruled in hope of holding mental health services to account

A grieving mum is hoping to overturn her son’s inquest verdict, which ruled he had taken his own life, as part of her fight to have Worcestershire mental health services ‘held to account’. Read local newspaper article here

Millions of men in the UK affected by body image issues – Mental Health Foundation survey

Millions of men in the UK have struggled with body image issues according to findings published by the Mental Health Foundation. Click here to read article

What Is The Evidence On The Role Of The Arts In Improving Health And Well-Being? A Scoping Review

This comprehensive review of evidence on arts and health concludes that engaging with the arts can be beneficial for both mental and physical health. Click here to for WHO report from the King's Fund blog

Alcohol and drug misuse and treatment statistics

Statistics to support improvements in decision making when planning alcohol and drug misuse treatment services. Click here for latest government statistics

How education shapes young people’s mental health

Good mental health is vital in allowing young people to learn, build resilience and develop the skills they need to grow into well-rounded, healthy adults. But how can we ensure that schools, colleges and universities are nurturing environments which promote their wellbeing? Read Centre for Mental Health report here

Study examines depression in the last year of life

Depression impacts quality of life at all life stages, but little is known about the factors related to depression in the last year of life. A recent study found that 59.3% of individuals had depression in the last month before death. Read ScienceDaily article here

Exploring Mental Health Inpatient Capacity

This report says that hundreds more NHS mental health beds are needed in England to help end the practice, known as out-of-area placements (OAPs), of sending severely ill patients far from home for treatment. Click here to access King's Fund blog

Skin Disease With Chronic Itch Linked to Depression, Suicidal Thoughts

Itchy skin in patients with chronic skin disease is significantly linked to clinical depression, suicidal ideation and stress, according to a new study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Click here to read PsychCentral article
Click here for original full text article - you will need an athens account. Any problems please contact the library 01905 760601

National Clinical Audit of Anxiety and Depression: inpatient mental health services

Click here for link to report

Ex-DH boss declares ‘scandal’ in mental healthcare

A shortage of beds for mental health patients – leaving them waiting in emergency departments for more than 12 hours – is a national “scandal”, according to one of the NHS’ most senior and experienced leaders. Read HSJ article here - any problems accessing please contact the library 01905 760601

Safety and mental health are top concerns at Brum Youth Trends Summit 2019

Hundreds of Birmingham’s young people gathered last Thursday (24/10) to discuss the big issues affecting them at this year’s Brum Youth Trends Summit. The Summit, run by the  social enterprise, Beatfreeks Collective, coincided with the launch of the highly anticipated 2019 Brum Youth Trends report. Read Birmingham Updates article here

In the long run, drugs and talk therapy hold same value for people with depression

Spending an hour in talk therapy with a trained counselor costs much more, and takes more time, than swallowing an inexpensive antidepressant pill. But for people with a new diagnosis of major depression, the costs and benefits of the two approaches end up being equal after five years, a new study shows. Read ScienceDaily article here

Mental health and wellbeing: JSNA toolkit

Links mental health data, policy and knowledge to help planners understand needs within the local population and assess local services. Click here to link to government guidance

Mentally ill die many years earlier than others

New research confirms that people with mental disorders have an increased risk of premature mortality. When compared to the general population, average life expectancy is respectively 10 and 7 years shorter for men and women with mental disorders. Read ScienceDaily article here

PTSD Nearly Doubles the Risk of Infection

A new study finds that people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are 1.8 times as likely to have any infection as those without PTSD, ranging from being 1.3 times as likely to have meningitis, to 1.7 times as likely to have influenza, to 2.7 times as likely to have viral hepatitis. Read PsychCentral Article here

County chiefs back ‘Every Mind Matters’ mental health campaign

COUNTY chiefs are backing ‘Every Mind Matters’ a new way to help people manage their mental health. Click here for local newspaper article

Delivering The NHS Long-Term Plan's Ambition Of Ageing Well: Old Age Psychiatry As A Vital Resource

This guidance is to help local areas plan and deliver specialist services, led by old age psychiatrists, to meet the needs of older people. It brings together views from older people, service users, carers and a wide range of health and social care professionals. Click here for King's Fund blog

World Mental Health Day: Suicide prevention text service starts

A suicide prevention text message service to encourage more men to "open up" has been started by a charity on World Mental Health Day. Click here for local news piece

Brexit update - RCOT

In light of the ongoing uncertainty around Brexit, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists is continuing to monitor developments and consider how our members, and the services they provide, might be impacted. Click here for RCOT website

Gambling-related harms: evidence review

Information about a review of the prevalence of gambling, its associated health harms and their economic and social burden. Click here for government information

The NHS needs a chief psychological professions officer

Dr Nick Waggett and Sarb Bajwa join leaders representing 12 psychological professional groups and service users of psychological services to call for a new role of chief psychological professions officer. Click here to read HSJ article - any problems accessing the full text please contact the library 01905 760601

Suicide prevention: identifying and responding to suicide clusters

This toolkit, based on research of suicide clusters, is part of PHE's support for the government’s suicide prevention strategy. Click here for government guidance

Mindfulness may reduce opioid cravings, study finds

Opioid users, chronic pain sufferers may experience fewer relapses and greater well-being. Click here to read ScienceDaily article
Or here for the original article - will need athens password - ask the library if you have difficulties 01905 760601

Significant new mental health funding to improve lives across Worcestershire

SIGNIFICANT new mental health funding is set to improve patients’ lives across the region with a share of £70million earmarked for 11 areas going into care models for young, working age, and older adults. Read newspaper article here

Rough sleepers in homeless hotspots to benefit from NHS mental health outreach

Towns with high rates of homelessness are set for investment in specialist mental health care, as part of NHS services for rough sleepers across the country. Read NHS England news here

Encouraging service users to complete research survey

There is still time for members and people who use their services to complete the occupational therapy research priorities survey before it closes on Tuesday 5 November 2019. Click here for the website

How putting NHS staff first is making hospitals better

Yoga, pilates and Dragons’ Den-style contests are among a host of innovations that are turning around failing trusts. Click here to read newspaper article and link to report

Every Mind Matters

Public Health England has launched England’s first NHS campaign to improve mental health literacy.  Every Mind Matters is designed to help people take simple steps to look after their mental health, improve their mental wellbeing and support others.  The new platform will enable people to create a personalised action plan recommending a set of self-care actions to deal with stress, boost mood, improve sleep and feel in control. Click here for website

When Abuse Involves Controlling a Partner’s Education

A new study offers a closer look at a lesser-known form of psychological abuse: educational sabotage. This type of abuse involves behaviors aimed at hindering or stopping another person’s educational efforts. Click here to read PsychCentral article

We are in the midst of a mental health crisis – advice about jogging and self-care is not enough

Physical exercise can help, but we need to understand what it is about the way we live that makes so many of us ill. Read newspaper article here

Palliative and end of life care

Information and resources for health and social care professionals to improve the quality of services and reduce inequalities in care. Click here to government resources

Groundbreaking new platform launched to support mental health

PHE and the NHS launch Every Mind Matters to help people take simple steps to look after their mental health, improve their mental wellbeing and support others. Click here to access news item for government site

The community mental health framework for adults and older adults

The Community Mental Health Framework describes how the Long Term Plan’s vision for a place-based community mental health model can be realised, and how community services should modernise to offer whole-person, whole-population health approaches, aligned with the new Primary Care Networks. View NHS England document here

Acute psychotic illness triggered by Brexit Referendum

Political events can take a serious toll on mental health, a doctor has warned, after treating a man with a brief episode of acute psychosis, triggered by the 2016 Referendum on Brexit -- the process of the UK leaving the European Union (EU). Read ScienceDaily article here Click here for case report - you may need an athens password - contact the library 01905 760601 if you have access problems

Sleeping pills reduce suicidal thoughts in patients with severe insomnia

Insomnia is a driver of suicide, and particularly people with severe insomnia may safely benefit from taking a sedative to help address their sleep problems as it reduces their suicidal thoughts, investigators report. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

How and Why Parkinson’s Hits Men, Women Differently

A new review from Italian scientists adds to the growing body of evidence describing how Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects women and men differently. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Health matters: rough sleeping

A professional resource for local authorities and commissioners on preventing and ending rough sleeping. Click here for link to government resources

BEDLAM Arts and Mental Health Festival returns to Birmingham

The festival, that runs for 12 days, will present more than 25 events in a range of venues to raise awareness of mental health and well-being. Read news piece here

RCOT launches new standards for education providers

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has updated its standards for pre-registration education, which are applicable to providers of occupational therapy courses across the UK. Read news item here

Primary care mental health service improves health and saves NHS money, finds new report

A psychological treatment service working in GP surgeries in Nottingham offers hope to people other services can’t help and has already saved more money than its staffing costs in its first year, according to research published today by Centre for Mental Health with the NHS Confederation Mental Health Network. Read news item here

Individual And Local Area Factors Associated With Self-Reported Wellbeing,

The findings reported here are from an analysis of data from the Understanding Society Survey (USS) which follows a large sample of people from across Britain over time. This study was undertaken to examine questions likely to be especially relevant for those working in the field of public health intelligence, using small area statistics to identify localities where interventions may particularly need to be targeted in order to reduce inequalities in wellbeing across England. Click here for link to the report from the King's Fund blog

Exercise May Slow Brain Degeneration in Those at High Risk for Alzheimer’s

Exercising several times a week may delay brain deterioration in people at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study from the University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Mental Health Matters: Growth forecast for private providers

HSJ’s fortnightly briefing covering safety, quality, performance and finances in the mental health sector. Click here to read Health Service Journal briefing

NHS hospitals go back to the future for dementia care

NHS hospitals are going back to the future to help patients with dementia by decorating their wards, rooms and corridors in 1940s and 1950s style – creating a calming, familiar environment which can help jog memories, reduce anxiety and distress. Click here to read NHS news

Psychological Perspectives On Obesity: Addressing Policy, Practice And Research Priorities

This report calls for government to ensure every initiative aimed at promoting a healthy weight is informed by psychological evidence. It says weight management services are best delivered by multidisciplinary teams that include psychologists. Click here to read King's Fund blog

Achieving universal health coverage for mental disorders - The BMJ

Vikram Patel and Shekhar Saxena discuss strategies for integrating mental disorders, and other chronic conditions, into primary healthcare to achieve universal health coverage. Read analysis here. If you have any difficulty accessing the website please contact the library on 01905 760601

How to provide community-based early intervention in mental ill health

An HSJ roundtable, sponsored by XenZone, looked at the advantages of early intervention, increasing primary prevention and the role of digital in improving outcomes.Click here to read Health Service Journal roundtable

Rugby world cup a tonic for mental health and dementia says top NHS doctor

Although many home nations fans might find sitting through this year’s rugby world cup matches a little too nerve-racking at times, the NHS says watching the sport can actually be good for your mental health and wellbeing. Click here to NHS England news piece

Occupational Therapy: Unlocking The Potential Of Children And Young People

This report outlines the role that occupational therapists play in improving the lives of children and young people with physical, learning and mental health needs. Click here for King's Fund link to report

Advice For Introverts: Faking Extraversion Could Make You Happier

Emerging research may provide sage advice for introverts as investigators discovered “forced extraversion” for a prolonged time period improves well-being. So, for introverts, faking it as an extravert or forcing yourself to be an extravert can make you happier. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Life Helper: Don’t Make Major Decisions When Hungry

New research from Scotland supports the notion that hunger can influence our thoughts — and suggesting that we delay making important decisions when we are hungry. Read PsychCentral article here

Mental wellbeing of NHS staff is at a tipping point

Improving mental wellbeing in the workplace has to be implemented from the top-down, with NHS leaders making it a priority and not just a promise. Click here to read Health Service Journal article. Any difficulties accessing this please contact the library on 01905 760601

Childhood Trauma Linked to Early Motherhood, Poor Health in Middle Age

A new study of more than 3,000 women helps explain, at least in part, why women with a history of childhood trauma are at greater risk of poor health in midlife. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Smartphone Games Used to Detect Cognitive Decline

A new study from the UK finds that popular cellphones games could provide a new tool to help doctors spot early signs of cognitive decline. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Drinking Tea May Improve Brain Health

Regular tea drinkers have better organized brain regions compared to non-tea drinkers, according to a new study led by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS). Click here to read PsychCentral article

Mental Healthcare in Young People and Young Adults

This review looks in detail at the mental healthcare provided to young people from the unique perspective of the overlap between physical and mental healthcare, the quality of physical and mental healthcare provided and how patients with mental health conditions use healthcare services. Click here to read Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership report

Where to find help if you're struggling with a mental health problem

Click here to read the list

Social media use by teens linked to internalizing behaviors

A new study found that adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media are more likely to report high levels of internalizing behaviors compared to adolescents who do not use social media at all. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Do Nutrient Supplements Have Any Effect on Mental Disorders?

A growing number of studies have examined the benefits of nutrient supplementation in people with mental disorders. But which supplements have been proven to work — and for which disorders? Click here for PsychCentral article

Revisiting the one in four: the prevalence of psychiatric disorder in the population of England 2000–2014

Click here to go to British Journal of Psychiatry article. For full text click the pdf link. Any problems please contact the library 01905 760601

Dependence on prescription medicines linked to deprivation

Public Health England has published the first-ever evidence review of dependence and withdrawal problems associated with 5 commonly prescribed classes of medicines in England. Click here to read press release

Tailored support should be offered to those affected by suspected suicide, says NICE

Read NICE news piece here

Alcohol and drug misuse prevention and treatment guidance

Information and other resources to support commissioners, service providers and others providing alcohol and drug interventions. Click here to access collection

Prevention concordat for better mental health

Describes the consensus statement of the prevention concordat for better mental health and lists the signatories. Click here to see the policy paper

Can Artificial Intelligence Help Prevent Mental Illness?

Technology entrepreneur David Plans knows first hand the risks of ignoring mental health. While going through security at Brussels Airport in 2003, he suddenly passed out, was rushed to hospital in an ambulance and flatlined in transit. Read Forbes article here

Furry friends ease depression, loneliness after spousal loss

Researchers have found the companionship of a pet after the loss of a spouse can help reduce feelings of depression and loneliness in older adults.Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Suicide prevention profile: September 2019 update

Data on suicide, associated prevalence, risk factors and service contact among groups at increased risk. Click here for government statistics

Closer links between police and health services can improve experiences for people in mental health crisis

Tighter working partnerships between health professionals and police services are likely to improve the care of people who come into contact with police during mental health crises. Click here for study from National Institute for Health Research

The impact of a no deal Brexit on health and care

In an open letter to MPs, The King's Fund, the Health Foundation and Nuffield Trust, summarise the four major areas where the impact of a no deal Brexit could be felt most sharply in health and care. Click here for King's Fund link

Study: It’s Never Too Late to Start Resistance Training

Older men in their 70s and 80s who have never been regular exercisers may have the same ability to build muscle mass as highly trained master athletes of a similar age, according to a new U.K. study published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Childhood obesity: applying All Our Health

Evidence and guidance on childhood obesity, to help families and communities intervene and help change eating and activity habits. Click here to access guidance

Alcohol: applying All Our Health

Evidence and guidance to help healthcare professionals reduce alcohol-related harm. Click here to access guidance

Wellbeing and mental health: applying All Our Health

Evidence and guidance to enable healthcare professionals make improvements against wider factors that affect health and wellbeing in mental health. Click here to access guidance

Single Bout of Exercise May Immediately Boost Memory for Some Older Adults

A new study shows that a single bout of exercise may improve cognitive function and working memory in some older adults. Read PsychCentral article here

Many psychiatric disorders have heightened impulsivity

The study analyzed data from studies across eight different psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and others. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Excess body fat increases the risk of depression

Carrying ten kilograms of excess body fat increases the risk of depression by seventeen per cent. The more fat, the greater the probability of developing depression. This is the main conclusion of a new study carried out by researchers from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

‘Gardening helps our mental health. They should do more of it in jail’

HMP Parc’s gardening scheme is improving prisoners’ lives – and has won an award from the Royal Horticultural Society. Read newspaper article here

Restless Legs Syndrome Tied to Triple the Risk of Suicide, Self-Harm

A new study has found that restless legs syndrome is associated with a nearly tripled risk of suicide and self-harm. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Many Patients Hide Life-Threatening Issues From Their Doctors

A new study finds that many patients who have faced domestic violence, sexual assault, depression or thoughts of suicide are likely to hide this information from their healthcare providers. Read PsychCentral article here

7 Films About Mental Health On Netflix UK That Shed Light On Some Seriously Important Topics

Click here to see list

9 Signs You've Ignored Your Mental Health For Too Long - Bustle

If you tend to just power through life’s inevitable difficulties, then you probably know how to get things done. But sometimes, this behavior can make it easy to ignore your own emotional or psychological distress. Read website article here

More Harm Than Good: Why More Isn't Always Better With Older People's Medicines

Read King's Fund blog here

Preventing Falls In People With Learning Disabilities: Making Reasonable Adjustments

Read Government guidance here

Top tips on looking after you and your mental health at your fingertips

LOCAL health teams are helping people across the area with their physical and mental health over summer, writes Carrie Eddins. Read newspaper article here

The Ward Round: Why your trust needs an OT

The debate around workforce shortages in the NHS is often focused on doctors and nurses, the largest and most visible staff groups. However, as made clear by the long-term plan for the NHS, allied health professionals significantly support the demand faced by the NHS and there are studies that demonstrate they improve patient flow. Read HSJ article here - if you have problems access the journal please contact the library on 01905 760601

Marijuana Can Boost Risks of Drinking Alcohol

A new study has discovered that people who use alcohol and marijuana simultaneously were more likely to drink heavier and more often.Click here to read PsychCentral

Good Heart Health at 50 May Mean Lower Dementia Risk Later

Good cardiovascular health at age 50 is linked to a reduced risk of dementia later in life, according to a new study of British adults published in The BMJ journal. Available from our library website or ask the library 01905 760601

Government response to "Ignoring the alarms follow-up: too many avoidable deaths from eating disorders"

In June 2019, the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee published its report into avoidable deaths from eating disorders. It contained recommendations across six areas to improve eating disorder services and this report outlines the government's response to the recommendations.  Click here to read further.

Dementia care program improves mental health of patients, caregivers

UCLA-led research finds that a comprehensive dementia care program staffed by nurse practitioners working within a health system improves the mental and emotional health of patients and their caregivers.  Click here to read further.

Regular Exercise May Avert Physical Markers For Those at Risk for Alzehimer’s

Regular moderate exercise is not only good for memory as people age, it also appears to help prevent the development of physical signs of Alzheimer’s, known as biomarkers, in those who are at risk for the disease, according to new research.  Click here to read further.

Mental Health Network seeks nominations for new NHS Chair board member

The Mental Health Network (MHN) is currently seeking nominations to its board for a Chair representative from a Mental Health NHS Trust or Foundation Trust.  Click here to read further.

Why stress and anxiety aren't always bad

People generally think of stress and anxiety as negative concepts, but while both stress and anxiety can reach unhealthy levels, psychologists have long known that both are unavoidable -- and that they often play a helpful, not harmful, role in our daily lives, according to a presentation at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association.  Click here to read further.

Online Self-Management Helpful for Anxiety, Depression and Pain

Emerging research suggests that for some individuals, online symptom self-management plus clinician telecare is the best strategy for treating anxiety, depression and pain.  Click here to read further.

Apathy: A Common but Understudied Symptom of Dementia

In a new U.K. study of 4,320 people with Alzheimer’s disease, researchers found that 45% of study participants had apathy — the absence of emotion, interest, concern or passion — and that the condition was often distinct from depression.  Click here to read further.

Depression Symptoms, Protein Buildup in Brain Tied to Later Cognitive Decline

Depression symptoms in cognitively healthy older adults together with brain amyloid — protein deposits which are a biological marker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) — could trigger changes in memory and thinking over time, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open.  Click here to read further.

Blaming mass shootings on mental illness leads to stigma, experts warn

Psychologists and psychiatrists speak out against Trump after he blamed mental illness for El Paso and Dayton mass shootings. Read newspaper article here

Dementia accounts for one in 10 deaths in England and Wales, new figures show

Dementia is the biggest health crisis of our time, experts have said, as statistics show the disease accounted for more than a tenth of the registered deaths in England and Wales in 2018. Read Home Care Insight article here

What are the mental health benefits of cat ownership?

Here, we take a journey into the scientific research behind mental health benefits of pet ownership, specifically, the opinion-dividing cat. Click here for news piece

Worcester’s masculine yoga event tackled the stigma around men’s mental health

A YOGA event aimed at tackling men’s mental health has taken place in a bid to combat the stigma around discussion among males. Click here to read news piece

Dementia data and analysis: a guide for health professionals

Explains how commissioners and health professionals can use data and analysis for decisions about dementia services and interventions. Click here for government guidance

Dementia profile: August 2019 data update

Updated figures on the estimated diagnosis rate for dementia, broken down by geographical area. Click here for government data

Smartphone Games May Ease Work Stress Better Than Mindfulness Apps

A new U.K. study finds that digital games, typical of those used on smartphones, may outperform mindfulness apps when it comes to relieving work-related stress. Read PsychCentral news article here

Faith groups can tackle loneliness, says report

NATIONAL initiatives to tackle loneliness should include faith-based communities and organisations, a report on how religious groups combat the problem suggests. In addition, the groups should ensure that their activities are known to public services and other organisations fighting loneliness, it says. Read Church Times article here

People who eat dark chocolate less likely to be depressed

Eating dark chocolate may positively affect mood and relieve depressive symptoms, finds a new study looking at whether different types of chocolate are associated with mood disorders. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Service user experience in adult mental health services

This quality standard covers improving the experience of people using adult NHS mental health services. It describes high-quality care in priority areas for improvement. Read NICE guidance here

Unpaid carers need more support to cope with financial and emotional stress

NICE has published new draft guidance which aims to improve the wellbeing of adults who provide unpaid care for people over 16 years old. Read NICE news item here

Parents' mental illness increases suicide risk in adults with tinnitus, hyperacusis

A study is the first to examine the relationship between parental mental illness like anxiety and depression in childhood and the risk of suicide and self-harm in adults who suffer from tinnitus, noise or ringing in the ears, and hyperacusis, extreme sensitivity to noise.  Click here to read further.

Study: Music Therapy Helps Brain Sync with Therapist

An innovative study reveals that the brains of a patient and therapist become synchronized during a music therapy session. The first-time finding is viewed as a breakthrough that could improve future interactions between patients and therapists.  Click here to read further.

Suicide prevention profile: September 2019 update

The Suicide prevention profile has been produced to help develop understanding at a local level and support an intelligence driven approach to suicide prevention.  Government publication, click here to access.

Towards mental health equality: a manifesto for the next Prime Minister

This manifesto focuses on five key asks of the new Prime Minister: take action to prevent mental illness; create a cross-government plan for mental health and establish a ‘mental health in all policies’ approach across government; reform the Mental Health Act; ensure everyone can access the right mental health support, in the right place, at the right time; and build a mental health workforce fit for the future.  Click here to read further.

Potential biomarker of psychological stress

Stress affects both mental and physical health. Although stress is known as one of the major risk factors of health disorders in modern society, a biomarker of stress has not yet been well established. In a study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine, researchers from Osaka University reported a unique association between stress and serum levels of α-Klotho (αKl).  Click here to read further.

In a new survey of 3,425 university students, one in five respondents said they engaged in problematic smartphone use which in turn was tied to lower grades, mental health problems and a higher number of sexual partners.  Click here to read further.

Adults With Family History of Alzheimer’s Show Reduced Scores in Memory Test

In a new study of more than 59,000 people who completed an online memory test, researchers found that adults with a first-degree relative with Alzheimer’s disease performed worse than participants without a family history of the disease.  Click here to read further.

Study: Spread of Abnormal Proteins Explain Gender Difference in Alzheimer’s

New research suggests the way in which abnormal proteins spread throughout the brain may help explain why the prevalence of Alzheimer’s is higher in women than in men. If the results are confirmed, a need for sex-specific approaches for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease may be indicated.  Click here to read further.

Learning Several New Things Simultaneously Boosts Older Adults’ Cognitive Abilities

A new study finds that learning multiple things at the same time increases cognitive abilities in older adults. One important way to avoid cognitive decline as we age is to learn new skills as a child would, according to University of California Riverside psychologist Rachel Wu.  Click here to read further.

Study: Too Many Kids With ADHD Given Antipsychotic Drugs

A new study finds that many antipsychotic drug prescriptions given to children and teens with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) do not appear to be clinically warranted. The findings, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, show that fewer than half of the youth in the study who were prescribed antipsychotic drugs had first been treated with stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, the recommended medication treatments for ADHD. Click here to read further.

Testing Cortisol Levels in Hair May Aid Depression Diagnosis

Testing for cortisol in hair samples may one day aid in the diagnosis of depression and in efforts to monitor the effects of treatment, according to a new study published online in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology. Read PsychCentral article here

Manifesto for Better Mental Health

The Mental Health Policy Group - a coalition of six organisations working together for better mental health, launches the Manifesto for Better Mental Health as the new Prime Minister takes up post. Read NHS Confederation latest news here

Genes underscore five psychiatric disorders

A group of international doctors has uncovered the genes that contribute to the development of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia. Read ScienceDaily article here

Simply the Bestie - mental health app scoops top award for health trust

A GROUND-breaking new app to transform mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people in Worcestershire has been awarded the MidTECH Award for Best NHS-Developed Innovation. Read newspaper article here

Obstructive sleep apnea may be one reason depression treatment doesn't work

When someone is depressed and having suicidal thoughts or their depression treatment just isn't working, their caregivers might want to check to see if they have obstructive sleep apnea, investigators say. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Hot Bath 90 Minutes Before Bed May Help Improve Sleep

Taking a very hot bath or shower (104 to 109 degrees Fahrenheit) around 90 minutes before bedtime can help you fall asleep more quickly and even improve your sleep quality, according to a new analysis of thousands of studies. As a comparison, the average hot tub is set around 100 to 102 degrees F. Click here to read PsychCentral article

How to help your mental health by creating a home that’s a safe haven

HOME is where the heart is – but could it also be crucial to mental health? Read newspaper piece here

People with dementia spend almost £15bn of their own money waiting for Government care reforms, Alzheimer's Society reveals

Since the promise of the Green Paper on social care reform in March 2017, the dementia care crisis has reached absolute breaking point, says the Alzheimer’s Society. New analysis published by Alzheimer’s Society reveals people living with dementia have had to spend almost £15bn of their own money on social care since Government reforms were first promised in March 2017. Read news piece here

Suicide prevention profile: September 2019 update

The Suicide prevention profile has been produced to help develop understanding at a local level and support an intelligence driven approach to suicide prevention. It collates and presents a range of publicly available data on suicide, associated prevalence, risk factors, and service contact among groups at increased risk. It provides planners, providers and stakeholders with the means to profile their area and benchmark against similar populations. To be released 3rd September - click here for notice

Perinatal Depression Screening May Miss Suicidal Thoughts

A new study of 736 low-income pregnant women in Illinois finds that more than one-third of those who reported having thoughts of self-harm in a commonly used health questionnaire did not have elevated levels of depression. Read PsychCentral article here

Body and mind need care in mental illness

The 18-year life expectancy gap between people with mental illness and the general population can only be bridged by protecting patients' physical and mental health. Read ScienceDaily article herehttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190718085321.htm

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES: USING DATA-DRIVEN TECHNOLOGY TO TRANSFORM MENTAL HEALTHCARE

This report examines the current landscape of data-driven technologies and their applications in mental healthcare, highlighting areas where these tools offer the most potential for the NHS and its patients. Read reform report here

Stress reduction benefits from petting dogs, cats

Just 10 minutes of interacting with cats and dogs produced a significant reduction in students' cortisol, a major stress hormone. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Eating disorders in young people

Trends in hospital admissions as a result of eating disorders in young people, by single year of age, England. Read government report here

Just Seeing Green Space May Ease Cravings for Alcohol, Cigarettes, Junk Food

A new study shows a link between being able to see green spaces from your home and reduced cravings for alcohol, cigarettes, and harmful foods. Read PsychCentral article here

Coping strategy therapy for family dementia carers works long-term

A program of therapy and coping strategies for people who care for family members with dementia successfully improves the carers' mental health for at least a six-year follow-up, finds a new study.Read ScienceDaily article here

Odd Eating Habits May Aid Early Detection of Autism

A new study finds that atypical eating behaviors were present in 70 percent of children with autism, 15 times more common than in neurotypical children. Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine believe the association suggests a child with unusual eating behaviors should be screened for autism. Read PsychCentral article here

New eating disorder guidance urges better support for families and carers

The UK’s eating disorder charity Beat has today launched new guidance encouraging healthcare providers to ensure better support for families of people with eating disorders, including by offering an assessment of their own mental health needs and offering access to peer-to-peer support programmes.Click here to go to website

Participating in Local Food Projects Linked to Improved Mental Health

A new study U.K. study suggests that participating in local food projects may have a positive effect on well-being and psychological health. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Left to their own devices: children's social media and mental health

The aim of this report is to both understand what children, young people and practitioners have to say about the impact of social media on mental health and wellbeing and to shed light on the social media experiences of vulnerable children. Click here to get link to article

Psychiatric diagnosis 'scientifically meaningless'

A new study, published in Psychiatry Research, has concluded that psychiatric diagnoses are scientifically worthless as tools to identify discrete mental health disorders. Read ScienceDaily article here

What Do Kids in The Hospital Really Want?

What matters most to children staying in the hospital? A new study finds that the two strongest desires of hospitalized kids are feeling safe and being able to get to sleep at night. read PsychCentral article here

Physical activity helps children to deal with life’s challenges

Read Government press release here

UK Study Identifies Early Warning Signs of Eating Disorders

A new large-scale data study in the UK provides clarity on early warning signs associated with an eating disorder. Swansea University researchers believe their findings will help primary care physicians detect eating disorders earlier in the course of care. To read PsychCentral article click here

Self-harming girl was told she did not have mental health disorder, inquest told

A teenager who took her own life in her secure accommodation following a history of self-harm was initially told she did not have mental health disorders, an inquest heard. Read newspaper article here

Study Explores End-of-Life Clarity in Dementia Patients

An interdisciplinary research team is investigating cases of paradoxical lucidity, a phenomenon in which a person with severe dementia suddenly “wakes up” and exhibits surprisingly normal behaviors, only to pass away shortly thereafter. Click here for PsychCentral article

Dementia National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) - update

Click here for update

Dementia profile: August 2019 data update

The estimated dementia diagnosis rate is a PHOF indicator contained in the Dementia profile. This profile tool provides health and social care professionals with the data to help them improve services and outcomes for people with dementia and their carers. Click here to go to government website

People with dementia should be offered activities that can help promote wellbeing

People living with dementia should be offered activities such as exercise, aromatherapy, art, gardening, baking, reminiscence therapy, music therapy, mindfulness and animal assisted therapy to help promote their wellbeing. Read NICE news piece here

Boosting amino acid derivative may be a treatment for schizophrenia

Many psychiatric drugs act on the receptors or transporters of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. However, there is a great need for alternatives, and research is looking at other targets along the brain's metabolic pathways. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Ignoring the Alarms follow-up: Too many avoidable deaths from eating disorders

Inquiry found a serious lack of training for doctors about eating disorders and recommend that GMC use its influence to ensure medical schools improve outcomes in relation to eating disorders. There was also lack of precise information about prevalence of eating disorders. Click here to read report

The High Security Psychiatric Services (Arrangements For Safety And Security) Directions 2019

These directions apply to providers of high security psychiatric services. They set out the requirements for providers to make sure they have robust arrangements for safety and security. Click here to read Department of Health and Social Care directions

Here's why leaders need to care about mental health

‘Mental health’ can mean a lot of things, depending on who you talk to. Many people confuse mental health – which is a positive state, like physical health – with mental ill-health. Read World Economic Forum piece here

Health Professionals Need to Be Cautious on Social Media

For health professionals on social media, posting just one negative comment in frustration may harm their credibility with current or potential clients. Read PsychCentral article here

NHS England singles out failing mental health trusts

Ten mental health trusts have been singled out by NHS England for dragging down the national performance on mental health out of area placements, HSJ has learned. Click here to read news piece.

If you have problems accessing the page please contact the library 01905 760601

Webinar for Nurses - How to Use the ASQ to Detect Patients at Risk for Suicide

Click here to access webinar from National Institute of Mental Health

Do you know the driving status of all your clients? And if not, why not?

These were the direct questions posed by Sherrie Buckley, from St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, in a session on the current knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and practice of occupational therapists in Northern Ireland when it comes to driving and depression. Click here to read RCOT article

Adult obesity: applying All Our Health

Evidence and guidance for healthcare professionals, to help people change their eating and activity habits. Click here to read government page

Social prescribing: applying All Our Health

Information and guidance for health and care professionals on how to promote social prescribing in their practice. Click here for government link

WHAT ARE THE KEY ISSUES SURROUNDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND MENTAL HEALTH?

The Centre for Transport Studies at University College London (UCL) carried out an online survey of people with mental health conditions in order to establish the difficulties that people with mental health conditions have when travelling and to identify ways in which these can be overcome. Click here to read newspaper article

Many over 55s feel negative about their body image new Mental Health Foundation survey finds

Many over 55s have feelings of negativity and anxiety about the way their body looks according to a new online survey published today by the Mental Health Foundation.  Click here to read article

Night owls can 'retrain' their body clocks to improve mental well-being and performance

A simple tweak to the sleeping patterns of 'night owls' -- people with extreme late sleeping and waking habits -- could lead to significant improvements in sleep/wake timings, improved performance in the mornings, better eating habits and a decrease in depression and stress. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

NHS plan jeopardised by unfinished business on funding and rising demand

Delivering the ambitious vision of improved care for patients set out in the new NHS Long Term Plan plan will be extremely challenging without urgent government action on wider health funding, warn the Health Foundation and NHS Confederation. Click here to read NHS Confederation news piece

How chronic inflammation may drive down dopamine and motivation

A new computational method will allow scientists to measure the effects of chronic inflammation on energy availability and effort-based decision-making. The method may yield insights into how chronic, low-grade inflammation contributes to motivational impairments in some cases of depression, schizophrenia and other medical disorders.  Click here to read further.

Weak upper and lower body physical performance associated with depression and anxiety

Physical fitness is associated with a number of key health outcomes, including heart disease, cognition, mortality, and an overall feeling of well-being. A new study now links physical performance with mental health and emotions, suggesting that weak upper and lower body fitness can cause more serious depression and anxiety in midlife women.  Click here to read further.

Predicting post-injury depression and PTSD risk

Addressing the psychological effects of injury can improve health and reduce the negative outcomes of injury. Yet, in a national survey, only 7% of trauma centers incorporate routine screening for PTSD symptoms.  Click here to read further.

Prevention concordat for better mental health: consensus statement

Describes the consensus statement of the prevention concordat for better mental health and lists the signatories. Read Government policy paper here

Mid-point mental health: why are we all feeling so flat?

Our increasingly busy worlds can leave us in an uneasy in-between stage when it comes to mental health. Click here for article piece

Everything seemed perfect - then my dad took his own life

Paul McGregor says showing vulnerability is a strength and that conversations about mental health should be far more common. Click here to read news piece

Prior eating disorders linked to long-term depression risk for mothers

A history of eating disorders and body image concerns before or during pregnancy are associated with future depressive symptoms among mothers, finds a new study. Click here for link to ScienceDaily

The Social Impact Of Participation In Culture And Sport

House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee - This report finds that opportunities to reap major benefits in criminal justice, education and health are being missed by the failure of government to recognise and harness social impact. Click here for link to King's blog

Death of Close Friend May Hit Harder Than Once Thought

The trauma and grief resulting from the death of a close friend lasts four times longer than previously believed, according to a new study from The Australian National University. Click here to read PsychCentral article

People fail to recognize male postnatal depression

A new study shows that people are almost twice as likely to correctly identify signs of postnatal depression in women than in men. Click here to read ScienceDaily article

Funding released to help rough sleepers living with mental illness

Adults who are sleeping rough and living with mental illness or substance misuse will benefit from £1.9 million funding to improve their access to vital healthcare. Read Government news item here

Stress in early life could make people more likely to develop depression

New research has found that early life adversity could make an individual more at risk of developing negative thinking, which could lead to major depressive disorder (MDD). The findings provide biological and psychological evidence to support work first proposed in the 1960s. read ScienceDaily article here

Electroconvulsive Therapy May Reboot Visual Brain Networks in Depressed Patients

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) appears to fight severe depression by “pushing the reset button” on brain networks involved in creating a mental picture, according to a new study published in the journal NeuroImage: Clinical. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Are strangers' mental health 'recovery narratives' helpful?

Researchers at the University of Nottingham in United Kingdom have reviewed dozens of articles analyzing the helpfulness of other people's "recovery narratives" and found that they can help people overcome their own mental health problems. Read news article here

Most depressed English communities 'in north and Midlands'

The most depressed neighbourhoods in England are all in the north and the Midlands, with almost a quarter of patients at some GP surgeries seeking help for the condition, research by the Guardian shows. Read newspaper article here

Student Bullying Can Harm Both Victims and Perpetrators

A new study finds surprising consistency in teen bullying rates across the globe and shows that it harms both victim and perpetrator suffer in similar ways. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Children's mental health: The story books bringing help

Scott Cranfield has written a series of books with the aim of helping children talk about their mental health. Click here to read news article. Also click here for Worcestershire Books On Prescriptions link to Children's books

Sleep Myths Hinder Good Sleep Habits, May Harm Health

New research suggests that many people have poor sleep health because of misinformation about sleep. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Many See Empathy as Requiring Too Much Mental Effort

Empathy, the ability to understand the feelings of others, has long been hailed as a virtue that encourages helping behaviors. But a new study finds that many people don’t want to feel empathy, primarily because they believe it requires too much mental effort. Read PsychCentral article here

Teaching happiness to dementia caregivers reduces their depression, anxiety

Simple positive emotion skills yield benefits in physical and emotional health. Read ScienceDaily article here

Perseverance toward life goals can fend off depression, anxiety, panic disorders

People who don't give up on their goals (or who get better over time at not giving up on their goals) and who have a positive outlook appear to have less anxiety and depression and fewer panic attacks, according to a study of thousands of Americans over the course of 18 years. To read ScienceDaily article click here

Adverse events during first years of life may have greatest effect on future mental health

A new study has found evidence that children under 3 years old are most the vulnerable to the effects of adversity -- experiences including poverty, family and financial instability, and abuse -- on their epigenetic profiles, chemical tags that alter gene expression and may have consequences for future mental health. Read ScienceDaily article here

Interventions to improve mental wellbeing and resilience in children and young people living in poverty: an Evidence Synthesis

This evidence-synthesis report aims to investigate the effectiveness of family- and community-based interventions in promoting mental wellbeing and resilience in children and young people (CYP) aged 7-18 years living in poverty. This rapid review was produced by the Risk Factors Intelligence’s Evidence Synthesis Team. Click here to link to full text (look for online resource in catalogue record)

NHS hospitals and GP practices to get fibre optic internet

All NHS organisations will get the fastest broadband available, which will improve the range and quality of digital healthcare services offered to patients. Read Department of Health news here

NHS ‘sleep clinic’ programme boosts children and parents’ mental health

A pioneering NHS pilot scheme to help vulnerable children improve their sleep patterns has delivered significant improvements to families’ health and wellbeing. Read NHS England news here

NICE launches online resource to help development and adoption of new health technologies

HealthTech Connect, a new online resource provided by NICE to help identify and support new health technologies as they move from inception to adoption in the UK health and care system was formally launched today (29 April). read NICE news here

Building better: the role of transport infrastructure and services in improving mental health

According to this report, mental illness is costing the country £66.5 billion every year and better transport journeys can help. The report uses NHS Digital data to assess the prevalence and cost of mental health disorders in different English regions and finds that improving the way people travel and their experience. Click here to read the report

Healthcare professionals issue consensus statement on the importance of health and wellbeing in work

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) along with the Allied Health Professions Federation, Royal College of Nursing and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges have launched a consensus statement that outlines how healthcare professionals should promote the benefits of good work and help support workers to look after their own health and wellbeing. Click here to read news piece

Caring Alone: Why Black, Asian And Minority Ethnic Young Carers Continue To Struggle To Access Support

This report reveals that young Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic children who care for ill or disabled relatives are more likely than other young carers to be isolated from support services. Read King's Fund blog here

Spiritual Experiences Can Improve Long-Term Mental Health

In a new survey of thousands of people who reported a personal encounter with “ultimate reality” or God, a majority say the experience led to lasting positive changes in their psychological health, life satisfaction, purpose and meaning even decades after the initial encounter. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Participation in Sports Linked to Less Depression in Boys

New research suggests a male child is less apt to have symptoms of depression if they participate in team sports. Furthermore, participation in non-sport activities was found to have no effect on a child’s mood. The association was found only for boys. Click here to read PsychCentral article

Growing up in poverty increases diagnoses of psychosis-spectrum mental illnesses

Growing up in impoverished urban neighborhoods more than doubles your chances over the average person of developing a psychosis-spectrum disorder by the time you reach middle adulthood, according to a new study of nearly 4,000 families who were monitored over 30 years. Read ScienceDaily article here

Caring For The Mental Health Of The Medical Workforce

This report provides a summary of findings from a large-scale survey into doctors’ and medical students’ mental health. The survey, which was open to BMA members and non-members across the UK received over 4,300 responses. Read King's Fund blog here

Repeated Exposure to Media Coverage of Traumas Can Fuel Distress

Repeated exposure to media coverage of collective traumas, such as mass shootings or natural disasters, can fuel a cycle of distress, according to a new study. Read Psych Central article here

Thousands more set to get help as NHS rolls out mental health job coaches

NHS England has announced a major expansion of a landmark scheme designed to help tens of thousands of patients with serious mental health problems who want to work, to find employment.Read NHS England news piece here

Study suggests overdiagnosis of schizophrenia

Reported symptoms of anxiety and hearing voices most common reasons for misdiagnosis by non-specialty physicians. Read ScienceDaily article here

The Global Mental Health Assessment Tool (GMHAT) pilot evaluation: Final report

Evaluation findings of the Global Mental Health Assessment Tool (GMHAT) pilot, tested with refugees resettled under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme. Read government report here

Four-fifths of teachers say pupils’ mental health is getting worse

Teachers have warned of a growing “crisis” in pupil mental health, with over 80 per cent saying the problems have got worse in the last two years. Read news piece here

Greater Life Satisfaction Derived From Feeling of Oneness

People who believe in oneness — the idea that everything in the world is connected and interdependent — are more satisfied with their lives, according to new research from Germany. read PsychCentral article here

Therapeutic Vacations Help People Confront Feelings and Worries

A new study shows that people are increasing turning to vacations and leisure activities as an outlet for their emotions, confronting problems, grief, and feelings. Read PsychCentral article here

Study: Severely Depressed Patients Should Consider Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation

Adults with severe forms of depression should consider non-surgical brain stimulation as an alternative or add-on treatment, according to a new study published in The BMJ. Read PsychCentral article here

For busy medical students, two-hour meditation study may be as beneficial as longer course

For time-crunched medical students, taking a two-hour introductory class on mindfulness may be just as beneficial for reducing stress and depression as taking an eight-week meditation course, a study finds. Read ScienceDaily article here

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs May Have Antidepressant Effects

Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as those prescribed for arthritis, could potentially be effective in the treatment of depression, according to a new meta-analysis conducted by researchers at iPSYCH, a Danish research project focused on finding the causes of major mental disorders.  Click here to read further.

Psychiatry: Multigene test predicts depression risk

An international team has found a genetic score that reliably predicts the risk, severity and age of onset of depression in young people. The study also confirms a history of childhood abuse as a risk factor. Click here to read further.

Childhood trauma has lasting effect on brain connectivity in patients with depression

A study found that childhood trauma is linked to abnormal connectivity in the brain in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). The paper shows symptom-specific, system-level changes in brain network connectivity in MDD.  Click here to read further.

More sleep may help teens with ADHD focus and organize

Teenagers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may benefit from more sleep to help them focus, plan and control their emotions. Study is first to find executive functioning skills deteriorate with lack of sleep.  Click here to read further.

Specialist mental health support for new mums available in every part of England

New and expectant mothers across the country can now access specialist mental health care in the area where they live, NHS England announced today.  Click here to read further.

NICE impact mental health

This report from NICE considers how evidence-based guidance can contribute to improvements in the care of people with mental health conditions. The report reviews how NICE recommendations for cost-effective care are being used in priority areas of the health and care system.  Click here to read further.

Outcomes for mental health services: what really matters?

This report examines the pursuit of outcomes by mental health services and highlights how frameworks for measuring outcomes are often too narrowly focused on clinical outcomes.  The report challenges mental health services to adopt a broader perspective on outcomes as a basis for collaborating with service users and a foundation for delivering more humane and effective care.  Click here to read further.

Untreated Diabetes Tied to Faster Dementia Progression

In a new study, psychologists from the University of Southern California (USC) found that patients with untreated diabetes developed signs of Alzheimer’s disease 1.6 times faster than people without diabetes. Read PsychCentral article here

Mental Health Matters: At your own risk

HSJ’s fortnightly briefing covering safety, quality, performance and finances in the mental health sector. Click here for briefing. If you have difficulty accessing the page please contact the library service - 01905 760601

Consider non-surgical brain stimulation for severe depression, say experts

Findings provide further clarification about the benefits of non-surgical brain stimulation. Read ScienceDaily report here Please note we have access to the BMJ via our www.wkp.nhs.uk

Outcomes for mental health services: what really matters?

There has been an increasing interest in the concept of value-based health care and how resources are allocated to improve outcomes. However, measuring outcomes in mental health services is often complex and fraught with difficulty, with professionals and service users often having very different perspectives on the nature of mental illness and the role of services in addressing it. Read Kings Fund publication here

NICEimpact Mental Health

One in 4 adults experiences a mental health condition in any given year, and mental health conditions are the largest single cause of disability in the UK. This report considers how NICE’s evidence-based guidance can contribute to improvements in the care of people with mental health conditions. Read report here

Psychotropic drugs and people with learning disabilities or autism

Describes a system to track prescribing of antipsychotics, antidepressants and other psychotropics for people with learning disabilities, autism or both. Read government guidance here

Man detained under the Mental Health Act for Birmingham mosque attacks

The man, from Perry Barr, handed himself into police following the attacks in Aston and Erdington. Read newspaper article here

Millions have felt ‘powerless’, ’angry’ or ’worried’ because of Brexit – results of our new poll

Millions of people in the UK have felt powerless, angry or worried over the last year because of Brexit, according to calculations from our new poll. Read Mental Health Foundation report here

Funding awarded to 23 projects to help those affected by alcohol

Local authorities across the country will use £6 million funding to increase access to alcohol treatments, with a focus on helping parents and rough sleepers. Read government press release here

Mental health services: addressing the care deficit

This report outlines the growing concerns amongst NHS mental health leaders about a substantial care deficit resulting from the impact of social and economic hardship. Click here for link to report

African-Americans more likely to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, Rutgers study finds

The study suggests a bias in misdiagnosing blacks with major depression and schizophrenia. Read ScienceDaily report here

For older adults, sense of control tied to feeling younger

A recent study finds that older adults feel younger when they feel that they have more control over their daily lives, regardless of stress or health concerns. However, stress and health -- not a sense of control -- play a significant role in how old younger adults feel. Click here to read further.

Mental health issues increased significantly in young adults over last decade

The percentage of young Americans experiencing certain types of mental health disorders has risen significantly over the past decade, with no corresponding increase in older adults, according to new research. Click here to read further.

Review of the National Autism Strategy 'Think Autism': call for evidence

In April 2014 the government published ‘Think Autism’, a strategy for meeting the needs of autistic adults in England. The strategy supports the Autism Act 2009. This year the Department of Health and Social Care, working with the Department for Education, will review the strategy and extend it to cover children as well as adults  Click here to read further.

NHS population screening: improving access for people with severe mental illness

This document provides information on how to improve access to screening, for people with severe mental illness residing in mental healthcare settings. It was designed to be used by screening providers and commissioners.  Click here to read further.

Using digital technology to design and deliver better mental health services: perspectives from Australia and the USA

Across the world, people experiencing mental health problems face challenges accessing care and support. The purpose of this project is to explore what we in the UK might learn from colleagues in the USA and Australia engaged in work relating to making better use of digital technology in the mental health sector.  Click here to read further.

Gratitude in Workplace Can Hike Mental, Physical Health

Expressing gratitude at work is associated with better mental and physical health for everyone involved, according to a new study led by Portland State University in Oregon. Read PsychCentral article here

Mental health trusts reporting high levels of violence

Mental health trusts are continuing to experience higher than average incidences of violence against staff, the NHS staff survey has shown. Click here to read HSJ article - any problems logging in please contact library staff

Assaults on north Wales NHS mental health staff halve

Attacks by mental health patients on NHS staff at Wales' largest health board have halved in five years. Read news item here

Monitoring the Mental Health Act report

This annual report on the use of the Mental Health Act (MHA) looks at how providers are caring for patients, and whether patient’s rights are being protected. Click here for link to report

CQC to review the use of restraint, prolonged seclusion and segregation for people with mental health problems, a learning disability and/or autism

We will review and make recommendations about the use of restrictive interventions in settings that provide inpatient and residential care for people with mental health problems, a learning disability and/or autism. Read CQC news piece here

Mental health campaigner spreading positivity in 'Vibe Van'

Read local newspaper report here

Public Satisfaction With The NHS And Social Care In 2018: Results From The British Social Attitudes Survey

This report, written with Nuffield Trust, shows that public satisfaction with the NHS overall continued to fall in 2018. The four main reasons people gave for being satisfied with the NHS overall were: the quality of care; the fact that the NHS is free at the point of use; the range of services and treatments available; and the attitudes and behaviour of NHS staff. The four main reasons people gave for being dissatisfied with the NHS overall were: long waiting times; staff shortages; a lack of funding; and money being wasted. Read full report here

Drop in public satisfaction in the NHS is inevitable consequence of decade of austerity, says NHS Confederation

Responding to the findings of the 2018 British Social Attitudes survey, published by The King’s Fund and the Nuffield Trust, Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents organisations across the health sector, said...click here to read

Daily intake of nutritional supplements cannot prevent depression

The largest randomized clinical trial to study the effects of nutritional strategies on the prevention of major depressive disorder concludes that daily intake of nutritional supplements cannot prevent depression. Read ScienceDaily article here

Government creates new student mental health taskforce

A new group has been set up to help students manage the challenges in university which can affect mental health. Read government news piece here

Growing up near green space is good for your mental health as an adult - World Economic Forum

Being denied the sights, sounds and smells of nature during childhood is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems later in life, according to a new study. Read article here