Papers & Interviews

"The introduction of lockable smartphone pouches in secondary schools in Northern Ireland has reduced smartphone use in schools, according to research by King’s College London. The study, carried out during the 2025-26 academic year, looked at how the pouches were rolled out and their perceived effects on classroom behaviour, academic engagement, participation in school life, and wellbeing."

"The UK must decide if good mental healthcare is a priority or a privilege, the outgoing Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) president has warned, cautioning that unless changes are "made today," those with mental illness will become sicker, hospitals will remain full, and tragedies will continue to happen."

"There has been a surge of understanding about the menopause and we are better informed on many aspects. However three quarters of women surveyed for a YouGov poll do not know that a new mental illness can be triggered by the hormonal changes associated with the menopause. To tell us more about why this was needed now, Nuala is joined by Dr Lade Smith, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists."

Nearly three-quarters of UK women do not know menopause can trigger a new mental illness, polling shows. This lack of understanding is so acute that the Royal College of Psychiatrists has launched its first targeted “position statement” to raise awareness about menopause and mental health.

Maternal suicide is one of the leading causes of death among women between six weeks and a year after birth. Perinatal mental illness accounts for 34% of all deaths in this group during this period. ... This should not be happening – and with the right support, it can be prevented and treated.

Consultant pharmacist Dr Siobhan Gee PhD speaks to Kathy Oxtoby about a new report from the Lancet Psychiatry Physical Health Commission looking in depth at the holistic prevention and management of physical health side effects from psychotropic medication, and its importance for clinical practice.

“This important survey speaks straight to the heart of the ongoing mental health crisis. Poverty, deprivation and unemployment are linked to the development of mental illness, including those that are severe and enduring. The case to take targeted action to address risk factors for mental ill-health has never been stronger than it is today. People who experience anxiety, depression and other common mental health conditions are nine times more likely to develop an eating disorder. This can be prevented if they are provided with timely and effective treatment."

"An independent review launching on Thursday (4 December 2025) will examine how the health system currently delivers mental health, ADHD and autism services in order to help ensure children and adults can get the right support."

"Recovery rates for panic disorder have fallen across services in NHS England. We investigated whether making cognitive behavioural therapy treatment for panic disorder more specific and focused (known as focused CBT) could have an impact on panic severity and recovery rates, in comparison to the current treatment for those with low intensity panic disorder."