MR. DUSTAN C. OSBORN, MD, PHD

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This study looked at how COVID-19 vaccination rates varied among individuals with self-harm, neurodevelopmental disorders, and mental health issues in Wales. Researchers found that people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder were less likely to get vaccinated, while those with autism or learning difficulties had slightly higher rates. Individuals with severe mental illnesses saw a rapid increase in vaccinations initially but ended up with lower overall vaccination rates. Understanding these differences is important to ensure that healthcare strategies reach those most in need. Who this helps: This helps patients with mental health conditions and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well the UCLP-PRIMROSE program, designed to improve physical health for people with severe mental illnesses, could be implemented in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Researchers evaluated the program in 24 general practices and found that while it had some success and all teams wanted to continue using it, challenges like limited resources and inconsistent delivery were significant barriers. To effectively expand this program, it needs to be simplified and more resources are required. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe mental illness who need better physical health care.

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This study looked at whether a portable device for monitoring blood clotting, called a Point of Care (POC) device, could effectively help adults with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) manage their anticoagulation treatment with warfarin. The researchers found that the POC device produced results similar to standard laboratory tests, with a strong correlation of 0.98, suggesting it could be a reliable option for testing in patients with high red blood cell counts. This matters because it could allow for easier and faster management of anticoagulation therapy for these patients, reducing the need for hospital visits. Who this helps: This helps patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease who require anticoagulation therapy.

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This study looked at how a mother's mental health influences whether her child gets vaccinated on time during early childhood. Researchers found that while vaccination rates at age one were similar, children of mothers with common mental disorders were less likely to be vaccinated at ages two (5% less likely) and five (14% less likely). Those with both a substance use disorder and a common mental disorder had the lowest vaccination rates, showing a 30% drop by age five compared to other mothers. This matters because improving support for mothers with mental health issues could help ensure their children receive timely vaccinations, reducing the risk of infections. Who this helps: This helps mothers with mental health issues and their children.

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This study aimed to improve how different mental health conditions are identified and categorized in primary care records by creating a reliable set of codes. Researchers reviewed a list of 2007 medical codes, ultimately selecting 1638 codes and classifying them into 12 mental health disorder categories based on input from doctors and statistical analysis of health data from nearly 500,000 patients. This work is important because it helps ensure that mental health conditions are accurately recorded, which can improve patient care and treatment. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers who diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

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This study looked at how having alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects the health of people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The researchers found that individuals with AUD had almost double the risk of serious complications such as kidney failure (nearly twice as likely), lower limb amputation, stroke, and death from heart disease compared to those without AUD. Monitoring of diabetes-related health markers was similar for both groups, indicating a need for better care strategies for those with AUD to prevent these complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes, especially those dealing with alcohol use disorder, and their healthcare providers.

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This research focuses on how common chronic kidney disease (CKD) is among people with severe mental illness (SMI). The study aims to gather and analyze existing data to find out how many people with SMI also have CKD, as there is not much information available on this connection. It is important because CKD is expected to become a major cause of health issues, and understanding its prevalence in this vulnerable group can lead to better healthcare strategies and improve their overall well-being. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe mental illness by identifying their risks for chronic kidney disease.

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This study looked at how different levels of oxygen support (0.3 or 0.6) affect preterm infants born between 23 and 28 weeks gestation during their first 10 minutes after birth. The researchers wanted to find out which oxygen level helped infants survive to 36 weeks without brain injury. They plan to include 1,470 infants to see if one oxygen level is better, expecting about 32% might face death or brain injury; if successful, they aim for an 8% improvement in outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits premature infants and their families by improving their chances of healthy development.

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This study focused on creating a method to identify people with psychosis using healthcare data in England. The researchers developed 12 different algorithms and found that they could identify between 99,204 and 138,516 cases of psychosis for the years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, which matched national estimates. This is important because it helps healthcare providers better understand and monitor psychosis in the population, ultimately aiming to improve care and support for those affected. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers.

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The DIAMONDS study looks at how a new diabetes self-management program can help people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, who also have type 2 diabetes. Researchers will follow 380 participants over 12 months, some receiving special coaching to help manage their diabetes and others continuing with usual care. The goal is to see if the coaching helps lower blood sugar levels, specifically measured by a test called HbA1c, and improves overall health. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe mental illness and type 2 diabetes.

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This study looked at how often people with complex psychosis stayed in the hospital before and after receiving in-patient rehabilitation. Researchers found that the average time spent in the hospital dropped from 29% of days to just 8% after rehabilitation, indicating that these programs are effective. This matters because reducing hospital stays can improve patients' quality of life and save healthcare costs. Who this helps: Patients with complex psychosis.

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This study looked at the death rates and hospital admissions of people with eating disorders compared to those without. It found that people with eating disorders were more than twice as likely to die (hazard ratio of 2.15) and had significantly higher rates of hospital admissions for physical health issues, including 1.8 times more planned admissions and over 5 times more emergency admissions related to injuries and substance misuse. These findings show that people with eating disorders are at a much greater risk and highlight the urgent need for better treatment and management in healthcare. Who this helps: Patients with eating disorders and healthcare providers.

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This study looks at how adults at risk of heart disease and dealing with mild to moderate mental health issues in the UK experience and engage with integrated healthcare services. It aims to gather information on what factors affect their participation in these programs, including their personal experiences. This is important because better understanding these factors can help improve healthcare systems, making them more effective and supportive for patients who face both physical and mental health challenges. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk of cardiovascular disease and mental health issues, as well as healthcare providers and policymakers.

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This study looked at how social prescribing—a way for doctors to refer patients to community services for support—has grown in England from 2019 to 2023. By the end of 2023, about 9.4 million GP visits included social prescribing, with 1.3 million patients actually referred in that year alone. While more people from poorer areas are getting these referrals, there are still gaps, with certain groups, like older patients and some ethnic backgrounds, less likely to accept them. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking non-medical support, especially those in underserved communities.

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This study investigates how extreme heat affects mental health in urban areas, focusing on vulnerable populations in Greater London. Researchers will analyze data from over 1.8 million residents to understand the impact of heat on mental health services and well-being from 2008 to 2023 and will also look at factors like air pollution and green spaces. This research is important because it will help identify specific groups at risk and inform policies to improve mental health during heat waves. Who this helps: Patients and urban communities.

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This study looked at how genetic factors related to heart health affect patients with severe mental illness, who already face higher risks of heart problems. Researchers found that while most genetic risk scores related to cardiovascular health were linked to specific heart health measures at the start, improvements in cholesterol and blood pressure over the year showed that these genetic factors had less impact as treatment progressed. Patients with higher genetic risk scores for bipolar disorder ended up with lower LDL cholesterol after treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe mental illness and their healthcare providers by improving the understanding of how genetics influence treatment outcomes for heart health.

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This research paper looks at how different factors affect the delivery of combined healthcare for adults in the UK who have both heart disease risks and mild-to-moderate mental health issues like anxiety and depression. The study aims to gather insights from various healthcare professionals about what influences the planning and execution of integrated care for these individuals. Understanding these factors is crucial because it could help streamline healthcare services, potentially improving outcomes and reducing costs for a population with complex health needs. Who this helps: This helps patients with both cardiovascular disease risks and mental health concerns, as well as the healthcare providers serving them.

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This study examined social exclusion in England, focusing on how different factors prevent people from fully participating in society. Researchers looked at data from 2009/2010 and 2018/2019 and identified five areas where social exclusion occurs: material, relational, political, digital, and structural. They found that younger people and ethnic minority groups, such as African, Arab, and Caribbean communities, experience higher levels of social exclusion compared to White British groups. Who this helps: This helps policymakers and social researchers understand and address the issues faced by marginalized communities.

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This research looked at suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and self-harm in lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults compared to heterosexual adults using survey data from over 10,000 people. The study found that lesbian and gay individuals were 2.2 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts in the past year, and bisexual individuals were 3 times more likely to report self-harm compared to heterosexuals. These findings highlight ongoing mental health challenges for LGB individuals despite greater acceptance in society, suggesting that factors like bullying and discrimination continue to impact their well-being. Who this helps: This information benefits mental health professionals, policymakers, and support organizations working with LGB individuals.

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This study looked at how often common mental disorders like depression and anxiety have been recorded in the UK between 2000 and 2020. Researchers found that the rate of these disorders increased from 55.9 cases per 1,000 people in 2000 to 79.6 cases per 1,000 in 2019, particularly among young people aged 16-24, whose rates jumped from 40.2 to 107.8 per 1,000. Understanding these trends helps target prevention efforts, especially for groups that are affected more, like younger people or those in poorer areas. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by highlighting where more mental health support is needed.

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This study looked at a student-led clinic in regional Australia that focused on preventing and managing chronic diseases. Over the first three and a half years, 146 patients completed a program with an average of 48 visits each, leading to significant health improvements, especially in fitness and quality of life. The findings highlight the clinic’s success and the challenges faced, providing useful insights for other healthcare teams wanting to start similar clinics. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic diseases and healthcare students gaining practical experience.

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This study looked at how taking antidepressants affects the starting of insulin treatment in people who have both depression and type 2 diabetes. Researchers analyzed health records from the UK and found that people prescribed antidepressants were 3.78 times more likely to start insulin compared to those not on these medications. The likelihood increased even more (up to 5.72 times) for those on multiple antidepressants or for longer periods. This matters because it highlights a strong link between antidepressant use and the need for insulin in these patients, suggesting that depression may significantly impact diabetes management. Who this helps: This information is useful for patients with diabetes and depression, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at a program called Primrose-A, which aimed to reduce heart disease risk in people with serious mental health issues by providing support from nurses and peer coaches in London. Researchers interviewed both patients and staff, and found that most participants had a positive view of the program, noting improvements in mental health, motivation, and physical health, despite some challenges like communication and resource constraints. Overall, making the program even better could involve consistent care and more peer support sessions to strengthen relationships and encourage lasting healthy behaviors. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe mental illness by improving their overall health and well-being.

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This study looked at how taking antidepressants affects death rates in people who have both depression and type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that those prescribed antidepressants had nearly three times higher rates of dying from any cause compared to those who weren't prescribed these medications, indicating a strong link between antidepressant use and higher mortality rates. This matters because it highlights the need for better management of depression in individuals with type 2 diabetes, rather than simply treating the depression with medications, which may not address the underlying issues. Who this helps: Patients with depression and type 2 diabetes.

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This study looked at how often depression, anxiety, and insomnia occur together in patients receiving care in the UK. Researchers found that out of over 739,000 people, more than 106,000 had records of depression, with anxiety often appearing alongside it; specifically, 24% of people with generalized anxiety disorder also had depression. This matters because it highlights the need for better recognition and treatment strategies for these overlapping mental health issues in primary care. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from mental health conditions and their doctors in managing treatments effectively.

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The study examined how severe mental illness (SMI) affects the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures in people aged 50 and older. Researchers found that men with SMI were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with osteoporosis, especially among younger (ages 50-54) and older (ages 85-99) men, while the risk of bone fractures was higher for both men and women across all ages. This is important because it highlights the need for better screening and prevention strategies for bone health in people with severe mental illness. Who this helps: Patients with severe mental illness and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined a student-led health clinic in Southern Queensland, Australia, aimed at preventing and managing chronic diseases in local communities. Over 16 months, participants showed significant improvements in six out of eleven health measures, including a better performance on a walking test and increased grip strength, which continued to be evident a year later. However, there were no notable changes in body weight or muscle mass. This is important because it shows that student-led clinics can effectively support health improvements in communities facing rising chronic disease rates. Who this helps: This helps patients in regional Australia dealing with chronic diseases.

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This study focused on creating a list of codes to identify Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in electronic health records (EHR) used by primary care doctors in the UK. Researchers found 556 potential codes related to alcohol use, and after careful review, they included 138 specific codes that accurately represent AUD, including 38 for diagnosis, 14 for withdrawal, and 85 for chronic harm from alcohol. This matters because having clear and standardized codes will help improve research on AUD and enhance understanding of how it affects patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by improving the documentation and research of Alcohol Use Disorder.

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This study looked at how alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects rates of depression and anxiety in people newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). It found that individuals with AUD are more than twice as likely to experience new episodes of depression (2.00 times higher) and anxiety (2.08 times higher) after being diagnosed with T2DM compared to those without AUD; these rates were adjusted for various factors but not for pre-existing mental health issues. Understanding this link is important because it highlights the need for better mental health support for diabetes patients with a history of alcohol problems. Who this helps: This helps patients with Type 2 diabetes and alcohol use disorder, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at whether people with severe mental illnesses (SMI) like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are at a higher risk for delirium, a serious confusion state often caused by physical illness, and if they face a higher chance of dying within 30 days after being hospitalized for delirium. Researchers found that individuals under 65 with SMI are 7.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with delirium compared to those without SMI, while older individuals show a lower risk (3.4 times more likely). However, once hospitalized for delirium, those with SMI did not have a higher death rate than those without SMI. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe mental illnesses and their healthcare providers by highlighting the need for close monitoring and management during hospital stays.

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This study looked at patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to see how common suicidal thoughts and attempts were among them, and how different treatments related to their suicidality. Out of 745 patients, 6% reported suicidal thoughts, and those who did were more likely to receive certain medications and therapies, such as antipsychotics (likely prescribed 2.27 times more) and psychotherapy (2.60 times more), while surprisingly, less likely to get antidepressants. These findings highlight the importance of following treatment guidelines to improve care and reduce suicide risk among PTSD patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with PTSD and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how taking multiple medications (polypharmacy) and the length of past antidepressant treatment affect the chances of people with both depression and type 2 diabetes relapsing into depression after stopping their medication. Researchers found that 35% of the nearly 48,001 individuals in the study restarted their antidepressants within a year of stopping. Those taking up to 18 medications were more than twice as likely to relapse, and those who've previously taken antidepressants for 25 months or more were also more than twice as likely to restart treatment compared to those who took them for less than 7 months. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with depression and type 2 diabetes, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This research looked at how mental health conditions affect people's willingness to get vaccinated in wealthy countries. The study found that individuals with mental health issues, particularly those with substance use disorders, had lower vaccination rates compared to others; for example, nearly 23% of children with mental health conditions got vaccinated compared to around 65% in the general population. Understanding these gaps in vaccination rates is crucial because it highlights the need to address health inequalities among those with mental health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with mental health conditions and healthcare providers looking to improve vaccination rates.

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This study looked at how to properly test automated blood pressure machines in specific groups of patients, especially pregnant women, to ensure their readings are accurate. It discusses the statistical methods needed to determine how many patients should be included in such tests to get reliable results. This is important because accurate blood pressure readings are crucial for the health of both mothers and their babies. Who this helps: Patients, particularly pregnant women, and their doctors.

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This study looked at patients with both depression and type 2 diabetes to see how taking multiple medications affects their willingness to stick with antidepressants. Researchers found that nearly 44% of these patients stopped taking their antidepressants within 32 weeks, but those taking a median of 7 other medications actually had a 65% lower chance of quitting the antidepressants. This is important because it suggests that patients on more medications might be more dedicated to their treatment, highlighting the need for support for those on fewer medications to help them stay on track. Who this helps: This helps patients with depression and diabetes, particularly those on fewer medications.

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This study looked at over 3 million people in the UK aged 50 to 99 from 2000 to 2018 to see how often osteoporosis, osteopenia, and fragile fractures were diagnosed. It found that men in the most deprived areas were 45% more likely to be diagnosed with osteoporosis and 50% more likely to suffer a fragility fracture compared to those in richer areas. These findings are important because they highlight the impact of social factors on bone health, informing doctors about where to focus their attention for better patient care. Who this helps: This research helps patients, particularly men living in deprived areas, and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on creating a self-management program for people who have severe mental illness and type 2 diabetes, which often affects them more severely than others. Researchers developed a program called DIAMONDS using a series of steps involving experts and patients to ensure it meets their specific needs. The program includes a digital app, a paper workbook, and personal coaching to help them manage their diabetes better. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe mental illness and type 2 diabetes.

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The study focused on the high rates of premature deaths caused by suicide and physical health problems related to mental illness. Researchers found 12 main risk factors contributing to these deaths and proposed 18 solutions, such as better integration of mental and physical health care and reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues. Taking action on these recommendations could significantly lower the number of people who die early due to mental health struggles. Who this helps: This benefits patients with mental illness and those at risk of suicide.

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This study looked at how the Covid-19 pandemic affected the mental health of men and women, finding that women experienced worse mental health, largely due to feelings of loneliness. Among the 9,351 people surveyed, loneliness was responsible for a significant portion of the mental health issues: it explained 83.9% of the impact in May and 76.1% in July. This is important because it highlights that addressing loneliness could help improve mental health for women, especially during crises. Who this helps: This helps women facing mental health challenges, as well as healthcare providers developing support strategies.

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This study looked at whether peer support workers (PSWs) can help people manage their mental health better after they leave a crisis team, and if this approach is cost-effective compared to usual care. Researchers found that people who received the PSW support had a 57% to 96% chance of seeing cost benefits when considering their healthcare expenses and overall quality of life over 12 months. This matters because reducing hospital readmissions can save money and improve mental health care for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from mental health crises and the healthcare system by potentially lowering costs and improving outcomes.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have affected water use and supply in Istanbul, Turkey. Researchers found that while water consumption in Istanbul has been rising over the past 20 years—especially during the early days of the pandemic—water levels in reservoirs dropped during lockdowns, even with some increase in rainfall. This matters because it highlights the pressure on water resources and suggests that future public health crises may be harder to manage if water supplies become increasingly strained due to rising temperatures and inconsistent rainfall. Who this helps: This helps city planners and policymakers as they work to manage water resources effectively for residents.

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This research study looked at how loneliness and social relationships affect mental health conditions like depression and psychosis. The researchers reviewed 53 existing studies and found that loneliness and a lack of social support are closely linked to poorer mental health outcomes, especially for those suffering from depression. This matters because improving social relationships could help enhance the quality of life for people with mental health issues. Who this helps: Patients dealing with mental health problems, particularly those experiencing loneliness.

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This research examined the effectiveness of mental health care services for people diagnosed with a 'personality disorder' during a crisis. After reviewing 35 studies from 13 countries, the findings revealed that most types of care—except for brief hospital stays and outpatient therapies—offered limited and uncertain benefits. Overall, the lack of high-quality evidence indicates a significant gap in understanding how to best support this patient group in crisis. Who this helps: This research benefits patients diagnosed with personality disorders and their mental health care providers.

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This study looked at how social deprivation and mental health issues affect access to treatment for people with opioid use disorder in London. Researchers found that people with additional mental health problems were much more likely to need crisis or inpatient care, with those having multiple mental health conditions being over 15 times more likely to seek such help. Understanding these factors is important because it highlights the need for better support systems that address both mental health and substance use issues for more effective treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with opioid use disorder and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at different mental health crisis care systems in England to see how their features impact the number of patients admitted to hospitals or detained for treatment. Researchers found that having a crisis phone service linked to an 11.6% decrease in hospital admissions and a 15.3% decrease in detentions, while a crisis cafe led to a 7.8% drop in admissions. However, having a separate crisis assessment team increased admissions by 12.8%. Understanding how these services affect patient outcomes is important for improving mental health care in communities. Who this helps: This benefits patients in crisis and healthcare providers aiming to improve mental health services.

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This study followed children of depressed parents from ages 9 to 17 into their adult years to see how many developed mood and anxiety disorders. The researchers found that by ages 23 to 28, about 25% of these young people had experienced a mood disorder, and 33% had faced an anxiety disorder; this is a significant increase from just 4.5% and 15.8% when they were younger. Their findings stress the importance of ongoing support and treatment for these individuals, as over half reported difficulties in functioning as young adults. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those with a family history of depression, and their families.