Over one million people in the UK are now taking cocaine, the largest figure for 12 years, reports the Times. The figure comes from the British Crime Survey, which also reveals that around 125,000 people are taking ketamine, a horse tranquiliser. Over half of those taking cocaine are aged between 16 and 24, possible due read more »

A public accounts committee (PAC) report has revealed that only one in eighteen of those with an alcohol abuse problem are getting the help they need from the NHS, reports the Guardian. On average the NHS spends around £1,744 per head on drug addicts, however, for heavy drinkers the figure is £197 per head. The read more »

GPs struggle to spot depression in their patients according to a new study, reports the BBC. The University of Leicester carried out a review of 41 studies involving 50,000 patients, which showed that depression had been misdiagnosed or missed altogether in substantial numbers. In an average urban surgery, with a GP seeing 100 cases over read more »

Going through a divorce can have permanent detrimental affects on health, reports the BBC. A study in Chicago of over 8,000 people aged between 51 and 61 showed those who had been divorced had 20% more chronic illnesses than those who had never been married. Whilst those that go on to re marry suffer less read more »

A report by the Care Quality Commission has criticised the high-security hospital Broadmoor, in Berkshire, reports the BBC. The high number of suicides and failings in protecting patients was highlighted, particularly that prisoners were hanging themselves from the window bars, however these cannot be removed as Broadmoor is a listed building. The West London Mental read more »

Children who have suffered from sexual abuse are not getting enough access to therapy services due to a shortage, reports the Times. For every 25,000 children there is only one support programme available, and many places do not have any kind of support at all, meaning children face a postcode lottery, according to a report read more »

Children’s services are facing funding cuts due to the recession, reports the Guardian. Those at the Association of Directors of Children’s Services Conference were encouraged to ‘double-plan’ for the future of children’s services, making sure that those in care as well as those living in difficult circumstances at home are fully supported. A recent report read more »

Government monitoring body the The Mental Health Act Commission claims that under staffing is resulting in the death of many mental health patients, reports the Guardian. A new study called Coercion and Consent: Monitoring the Mental Health Act 2007-2009, has found that many patients on suicide watch are not being monitored closely enough, and reveals read more »

New research has shown that many brides are experiencing ‘post-nuptial depression’ after their wedding, reports the Times. Carried out by a psychologist in California, the research revealed that 10% of newly married American couples seek counselling after experiencing feelings of depression, remorse, or frustration after getting married. It’s expected British couples also suffer from such read more »

The alcohol industry is launching a government-backed campaign aimed at young people to help reduce excessive drinking, reports the BBC. The campaign is one of the biggest to date, and 45 companies are supporting it. It aims to promote ‘practical tips’ and ‘responsible enjoyment’ to help people stay safe whilst drinking, such as eating before read more »