Mental Health

The Primary Care Mental Health Research Group undertakes research on the epidemiology, detection and management of mental health disorders in primary care and the evaluations of complex interventions for mental health. Areas of particular reference include anxiety, depression, dementia, schizophrenia, addiction disorders and the interface between mental and physical health.

Irwin Nazareth leads the group, which is a cross-departmental venture between PCPH and Mental Health Sciences at UCL. We have primary care, psychiatric, statistical, health economics and clinical input, as well as clinical trial expertise. We undertake both primary (on patients and professionals) and secondary (systematic reviews and analyses of large clinical databases in particular The Health Improvement Network [HT1] [IN2] (THIN) research.

We work closely with the PRIMENT CTU, primary care eHealth research unit and the units of cardiovascular health and sexual health and infections within the department of PCPH.

Our research activities include both national and international research. We were one of the first research groups in the world to highlight prescribing practices, risks and benefits of psychotropic medication offered to pregnant women with mental health disorders. Our research has informed decision making in clinical practice.