£11m programme aims to strengthen mental health care in South West England

New research led by the University of Plymouth will explore ways to improve services for people in need across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, also influencing positive change for the UK and beyond. The programme involves academic partners from King’s College London, NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre NIHR ARC South West Peninsula (PenARC), University of Exeter, and the McPin Foundation. 

 

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 27 Jan 2026

Brain device for ADHD shows no benefit in major UK trial

Diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are rising rapidly in the UK. More children and teenagers than ever are being referred for assessment and support, and families are often facing long waits and limited options once a diagnosis is made. Schools, health services and parents are all under growing pressure to find treatments that genuinely help children manage their difficulties with attention, impulsivity and activity levels.

 

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 23 Jan 2026

Young people may temporarily withdraw from social media use on the day they self-harm

New research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, in partnership with YoungMinds, has examined the image-posting habits on social media of young people who self-harm. The study found that young people temporarily withdraw from posting images on the day they self-harm.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 21 Jan 2026

Brain stimulation device cleared for ADHD in the US is overall safe but ineffective

A large multicentre clinical trial led by King’s College London with 150 children and adolescents has shown that a device cleared by the US FDA to treat ADHD is not effective in reducing symptoms.

 

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 16 Jan 2026

New interactive tool ELAXIR helps to empower patients in the ethical use of AI in healthcare

Researchers have created a new tool, ELAXIR, to improve AI literacy and raise awareness of the ethical challenges of using AI in healthcare. 

 

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 15 Jan 2026