Depression, Anxiety & Other Disorders

Is Depression different in Males and Females?

This project explores the roles of the immune system and sex hormones in the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety, a large study that has been following thousands of people with depression (and anxiety) over more than a decade; the project will also hold focus groups with people with lived experience of depression on this topic.

Digital Biomarkers in Perinatal Mental Health

We aim to develop a model in which digital biomarkers can be used to predict mental health deteriorations in pregnancy, so that this can be used clinically to prioritise healthcare resources and ensure care and treatment decisions are as tailored and targeted as possible, for the benefit of both mother and baby.

Lithium and Depression

The main symptoms of depression are low mood, loss of interest, and feeling hopeless. Sometimes people have the main symptoms of depression, but they also experience other symptoms of mania at the same time, such as talkativeness, racing thoughts, agitation or increased energy, and not needing to sleep.

Sex Differences in Hormones and Inflammation

Given the relevant role of the immune system in depression, sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen have been studied in this context. Sex hormones can affect mood and behaviour. Interestingly, they can affect the immune system too, however, limited literature has been dedicated to the study of the interaction between sex hormones and the immune system in patients with depression.

Depression and Anxiety Among People Living with HIV

The aim of the study is to design and test a contextually relevant intervention to address depression and anxiety among people living with HIV, which now, thanks to advances in treatment, can be considered as a chronic disease. The intervention is based on “Problem-Solving Therapy” (PST), which helps people to develop strategies to address the problems that are causing them most stress.

How to Talk About Traumatic Childhood Experiences

When a person decides to disclose or talk about these traumatic experiences it can help healing. However, mental health staff often lack confidence and organisational support to ask about childhood traumatic events and struggle to know how to respond to disclosures or how best to offer follow up support. We will find different ways of supporting staff to have safe conversations about childhood trauma with service users.

Perinatal Mental Health Experiences of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Women

The mental health needs of Gypsy, Roman and Traveller (GRT) women during the perinatal period (from pregnancy to one year after birth) are often overlooked, despite evidence showing higher risks to both maternal and newborn health. This work requires tailored interventions and support systems sensitive to their cultural and social contexts. This project will explore how GRT women describe their mental health and how services are aligned with their views.

Bridging Gaps in Care for Autistic and ADHD Adults with Eating Disorders

Autism and ADHD are significantly overrepresented in individuals with eating disorders, but their unique needs often go unmet, leading to greater illness severity and poorer treatment outcomes. This project aims to address this critical gap, by conducting an in-depth needs assessment of autistic and ADHD adult patients with Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder, their carers, and their clinicians, to inform future treatment adaptions for these individuals.