Lithium in drinking water linked with lower suicide rates

Naturally occurring lithium in public drinking water may have an anti-suicidal effect – according to a new study from Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London. Published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, the study collated research from around the world and found that geographical areas with relatively high levels or concentration of lithium in public drinking water had correspondingly lower suicide rates.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 27 Jul 2020

Can wearables like Fitbit devices be used to help detect COVID-19?

The COVID-Collab (https://covid-collab.org) research team at King’s College London have launched a free mobile app [Android] [iOS] which will allow scientists to investigate the use of wearable devices and smartphones for digital detection of COVID-19, to understand how it spreads and how the pandemic affects people's mental and physical health.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 24 Jul 2020

Genes related to inflammation and stress may help tailor treatments for depression

New research led by King’s College London has found that measuring levels of inflammation and stress-response in the blood may provide useful information to show which patients with depression will or will not respond to treatment with antidepressants.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 23 Jul 2020

Data linkages animation explores the evolution of healthcare records in research

A new three-minute animation aimed at the public explains how the use of health records for research purposes has evolved over time. The CRIS team, mental health service users, and researchers involved in data linkage projects have created an accessible video to help explain the technical process of ‘Data Linkage’ to the general public.

 

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 22 Jul 2020

Study estimates impact of COVID-19 pandemic on UK mental health after first month of lockdown

Mental health declined substantially after the first month of COVID-19 lockdown, a survey of UK households published today in The Lancet Psychiatry journal suggests.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 21 Jul 2020