Category: Uncategorized

Millions of people with mental health needs still not accessing services, NAO finds

Despite funding and staffing levels for mental health services increasing and more patients being treated, millions of people with mental health needs are still not accessing services, with some facing lengthy waits for treatment, according to a new National Audit Office (NAO) report, Progress in improving mental health services in England.

The report says it is unclear how far current government commitments take the NHS towards its end goal, and what else is needed to achieve it. While funding and the workforce for mental health services have increased and more people have been treated, many people still cannot access services or have lengthy waits for treatment. Staff shortages continue and data that would demonstrate the results of service developments are limited.

Nature not nurture to blame for OCD, research claims

Research published in JAMA Psychiatry has suggested Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is transmitted from parent to child mostly through genetics and not the way a child is raised.

The population register–based study found OCD was transmitted from parents to children largely through a genetic relationship, while rearing appeared to play a minor role. OCD and anxiety disorders were moderately genetically correlated, with the genetic correlation being strongest between OCD and generalized anxiety disorder, intermediate with social phobia and weakest for panic disorder.

Migrant women health data analysis

This data looks at the health of and inequalities in health of pregnant migrant women, based on data routinely recorded at appointments for all pregnant women booking for maternity services in England. It includes analysis of social factors such as whether mothers felt that they had adequate support available during and after pregnancy.

Preconception health among migrant women in England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Government response to report on impact of body image on mental and physical health

The government has published a policy paper in reply to a Health and Social Care Committee on the impact of body image on mental and physical health. It says the government recognises the growing pressure on people to achieve an idealised body image, and that dissatisfaction with body image can have a significant impact on people’s mental and physical health throughout their lives.

The impact of body image on mental and physical health: government response to the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee’s second report of session 2022 to 2023 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Griefcast

Talking about death and grief isn’t something we do well in Britain – but there are tools out there to help us change this. Griefcast, a podcast by comedian Cariad Lloyd, whose father died while she was just a teenager, “examines the human experience of grief and death – but with comedians, so it’s cheerier than it sounds.” Guests including comedians talk about their experiences of and views on death, grief and funerals.

Griefcast — Cariad Lloyd

Anxiety, OCD and Phobia Bulletins

Please find the latest Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Phobia Bulletins from Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust here.

If you cannot access the articles please contact academic.library@lscft.nhs.uk for assistance.