The recent pandemic revealed a close link between feeling lonely and increased substance use which, in turn, can damage relationships and create a cycle of loneliness. In this blog Jonathan Crabtree, Post Graduate researcher at the IoPPN and the NIHR Maudsley BRC CEDI lead, Dr Mariana Pinto da Costa, a Senior Lecturer at the IoPPN and a Consultant Psychiatrist at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, explore the link between loneliness and substance use disorders using real-world clinical data.
By
NIHR Maudsley BRC at 19 Aug 2025
Researchers from King's IoPPN are linking data from electronic health records to data from benefits records to understand how people with mental health problems move through the welfare system. A new study has focussed on Universal Credit which is a welfare benefit to help with living costs, available to people who are on a low income, out of work, or unable to get work. In this blog Dr Sarah Ledden discusses the findings and what they suggest for welfare reform going forwards.
By
NIHR Maudsley BRC at 29 Jul 2025
New research from King’s College London has shown that over three quarters of people with severe mental illness report they are economically inactive, with around two thirds reporting a disability and poor health
By
NIHR Maudsley BRC at 10 Dec 2024
New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London has found that people with severe mental illness (SMI) - such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia - are more than four times as likely to die from pneumonia compared to the general population.
By
NIHR Maudsley BRC at 9 Oct 2024
Earlier this year under the Conservative government a Green paper opened up a consultation on the future of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - a welfare benefit claimed by many people with mental health and neurodivergent conditions as well as people with physical health conditions. Researchers from King’s College London investigated how this benefit is received by people who are accessing mental health services and, together with members of a patient and public involvement and engagement group who advise on the project, have written a blog to explain their latest findings.
By
NIHR Maudsley BRC at 26 Sep 2024
