AstraZeneca to sponsor mental health research

AstraZeneca is sponsoring a new project to put recovery at the heart of the mental health agenda.

The scheme is in partnership with MDF The BiPolar Organisation and Rethink – two mental health charities – and is the first nationwide research of its kind.

The partnership will conduct experiential research to identify how to improve recovery and will report its findings towards the end of the year.

The research is unique because seven service users are being trained to conduct research amongst 50 other service users, in a bid to achieve greater understanding and improve care.

Interviewers will be able to use their experience of past mental health difficulties and insight to contribute and enhance the research.

Dr Larsen, head of evaluation at Rethink, said working with service users will provide better guidance and help more people on the road to recovery.

“Regaining a fulfilling life is the ultimate aim of any mental health service user. People often feel uncomfortable talking about these issues and what works for them,” Dr Larsen said.

Bipolar disorder is sometimes referred to as manic depression.