Mental health problems are the largest single cause of disability in the UK, representing a quarter of the national burden of ill-health, and are the leading cause of sickness absence. It is estimated that mental health problems cost the country as much as £100 billion each year – including the costs to individuals and society of treating preventable illness, the impact on quality of life, lost working days and lost income. There is a large “treatment gap” with most people with mental health problems receiving no treatment and with severe funding restrictions compared with physical health services. People with mental illness die on average 15-20 years earlier than other people – one of the greatest health inequalities in England.
We have a portfolio of research in the area of mental health economics and policy that is contributing to a better understanding of:
For further details on NIHR projects examining the link between quality of primary care and outcomes for people with serious mental illness see here:
Contact: Rowena Jacobs