Unprecedented study identifies 44 genetic risk factors for major depression

A global research project has mapped out the genetic basis of major depression, identifying 44 genetic variants which are risk factors for depression, 30 of which are newly discovered. The study, by the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and co-led in the UK by King’s College London, is the largest study to-date of genetic risk factors for major depression.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 26 Apr 2018

New research: Hospitals often missing dementia despite prior diagnosis

Hospitals in the UK are increasingly likely to recognise that a patient has dementia after they’ve been admitted for a different reason, finds a new UCL-led study, but it is still only recognised in under two-thirds of people.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 25 Apr 2018

Engaging in physical activity decreases people’s chance of developing depression

An international team, including a researcher funded by the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, have found physical activity can protect against the emergence of depression, regardless of age and geographical region.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 25 Apr 2018

CRIS blog: Using CRIS to evaluate mental health diagnoses in routine national statistics

Dr Katrina Davis is a Research Associate working with Professor Matthew Hotopf and with the UK Biobank Mental Health Outcomes Consortium. She will be starting a BRC PhD studentship in October this year, working with the CRIS database.

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 16 Apr 2018

UK Biobank mental health study

Until now, UK Biobank, a health data resource aiming to help scientists discover why some people develop particular diseases and others do not, had limited mental health data to work with. Following 157,366 responses to an online mental health questionnaire (MHQ) developed by researchers from King’s College London, alongside collaborators from across the UK, it now has unparalleled potential for further biomedical research in mental health, dramatically expanding potential research into mental disorders. 

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 3 Apr 2018