Geo-spatial and economic distribution of depression and anxiety
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Novel statistical methods to help understand social and spatial factors associated with mental health outcomes in Cheshire and Merseyside.
IRAS ID
357614
Contact name
Hollie Hughes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
MerseyCare
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
This project aims to improve how we analyse and understand mental health across different areas using advanced statistical tools. Using our newly developed method, a faster and more efficient way to work with complex data, we will study anonymised information from two important sources: electronic health records from mental health services.
By analysing this data, we hope to uncover patterns in how mental health issues develop and are treated, and how these patterns vary across different communities. For example, we want to know whether people in more deprived areas tend to have longer or more complicated treatment journeys, and if so, whether this might be linked to social or environmental factors like housing, unemployment, or isolation. If we find strong links like this, we can recommend targeted improvements, for instance, increasing access to support services in areas where people are most at risk.
We are also looking at how often people reach a crisis point and require hospital care, and whether these events are more common in certain places or among certain groups. If this is the case, local health services might consider increasing home treatment options to help people earlier and reduce hospital admissions.
Ultimately, this project will support more effective planning of mental health services, helping ensure that resources are directed where they are most needed. By using data in a smarter way, we aim to support fairer, more timely, and more personalised care for people struggling with mental health challenges.REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/1432
Date of REC Opinion
4 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion