Fit for purpose? Addressing inequities in mental health research exacerbated by Covid-19, Centre for Mental Health

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already existing inequity in population mental health in the UK (1). Inequity exists in levels of diagnosable mental illness, in experiences of mental distress, and in our chances of mental wellbeing. Recent intelligence suggests those most likely to experience worse mental health impacts in relation to the pandemic include those with pre-existing mental illness, young people, women and some racialised communities. Despite this, longstanding limitations in mental health research mean that we do not have the necessary evidence to inform responses to the population ' s increasing and starkly unequal mental health needs. Major gaps in mental health research relevant to Covid-19 include: • Mental health research investment is not prioritised compared to physical health • The funding we do have is skewed towards scientific and clinical research, with less funding for research on prevention or social interventions • There is inadequate routine data on mental health to me asure inequalities in wellbeing or distress, or their social and economic determinants. A variety of new studies have emerged in the wake of Covid-19 but these do not allow measurement of change since before the pandemic, and may have sacrificed aspects of quality for speed • There are not enough collaborative partnerships in place for research with groups of people facing the greatest risks, including racialised communities, children and young people, and peopl...
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news