The Mental Elf
@thementalelf.bsky.social
🌤️ Hello, I’m the Mental Elf!
🌳 Follow me to keep up to date with the latest reliable #MentalHealthResearch.
🗓️ Live reporting from #DigitalYouth on Nov 13th
🍄 Do you need some #ElfHelp? https://elfi.sh/help
🔗 https://linktr.ee/thementalelf
🌳 Follow me to keep up to date with the latest reliable #MentalHealthResearch.
🗓️ Live reporting from #DigitalYouth on Nov 13th
🍄 Do you need some #ElfHelp? https://elfi.sh/help
🔗 https://linktr.ee/thementalelf
The trial found small reductions in voice severity at 12 weeks and small, sustained reductions in frequency. 📉
But no lasting impact on distress or broader outcomes. And almost 1 in 3 participants in the VR arm were admitted to hospital during treatment. ⚠️
But no lasting impact on distress or broader outcomes. And almost 1 in 3 participants in the VR arm were admitted to hospital during treatment. ⚠️
November 26, 2025 at 7:41 AM
The trial found small reductions in voice severity at 12 weeks and small, sustained reductions in frequency. 📉
But no lasting impact on distress or broader outcomes. And almost 1 in 3 participants in the VR arm were admitted to hospital during treatment. ⚠️
But no lasting impact on distress or broader outcomes. And almost 1 in 3 participants in the VR arm were admitted to hospital during treatment. ⚠️
We’ve talked about VR therapy for psychosis for more than a decade, but is the evidence finally catching up?
This new multi-site RCT tests a refined, immersive version of AVATAR therapy for people who still hear distressing voices despite medication.
🧵 THREAD
#Psychosis #VRtherapy #MentalHealth
This new multi-site RCT tests a refined, immersive version of AVATAR therapy for people who still hear distressing voices despite medication.
🧵 THREAD
#Psychosis #VRtherapy #MentalHealth
November 26, 2025 at 7:41 AM
We’ve talked about VR therapy for psychosis for more than a decade, but is the evidence finally catching up?
This new multi-site RCT tests a refined, immersive version of AVATAR therapy for people who still hear distressing voices despite medication.
🧵 THREAD
#Psychosis #VRtherapy #MentalHealth
This new multi-site RCT tests a refined, immersive version of AVATAR therapy for people who still hear distressing voices despite medication.
🧵 THREAD
#Psychosis #VRtherapy #MentalHealth
The review shows BED in about 14% of adults starting obesity treatment, with 26% reporting moderate binge eating. Night eating syndrome and bulimia nervosa also appear, but far less often.
So… are services screening for this? 🎯
So… are services screening for this? 🎯
November 25, 2025 at 7:41 AM
The review shows BED in about 14% of adults starting obesity treatment, with 26% reporting moderate binge eating. Night eating syndrome and bulimia nervosa also appear, but far less often.
So… are services screening for this? 🎯
So… are services screening for this? 🎯
How common are eating disorders in adults seeking obesity treatment? 🌍
Most research focuses on binge eating, but what about everything else? This systematic review brings together data from 94,000 adults to map the full picture.
🧵 THREAD
#EatingDisorders #ObesityCare #MentalHealth
Most research focuses on binge eating, but what about everything else? This systematic review brings together data from 94,000 adults to map the full picture.
🧵 THREAD
#EatingDisorders #ObesityCare #MentalHealth
November 25, 2025 at 7:41 AM
How common are eating disorders in adults seeking obesity treatment? 🌍
Most research focuses on binge eating, but what about everything else? This systematic review brings together data from 94,000 adults to map the full picture.
🧵 THREAD
#EatingDisorders #ObesityCare #MentalHealth
Most research focuses on binge eating, but what about everything else? This systematic review brings together data from 94,000 adults to map the full picture.
🧵 THREAD
#EatingDisorders #ObesityCare #MentalHealth
Why it matters 👇
👉 Assess trauma and mentalisation together
👉 Look out for neglect, where links are strongest
👉 Use trauma-informed, mentalisation-focused care
Full blog: buff.ly/GDRBMbV
👉 Assess trauma and mentalisation together
👉 Look out for neglect, where links are strongest
👉 Use trauma-informed, mentalisation-focused care
Full blog: buff.ly/GDRBMbV
November 24, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Why it matters 👇
👉 Assess trauma and mentalisation together
👉 Look out for neglect, where links are strongest
👉 Use trauma-informed, mentalisation-focused care
Full blog: buff.ly/GDRBMbV
👉 Assess trauma and mentalisation together
👉 Look out for neglect, where links are strongest
👉 Use trauma-informed, mentalisation-focused care
Full blog: buff.ly/GDRBMbV
How childhood trauma affects our ability to understand minds 🧩
New review finds that childhood neglect is consistently linked to weaker mentalisation, especially in psychosis. Abuse shows mixed results, but the overall pattern spans diagnoses.
🧵 THREAD
#ChildhoodTrauma #Mentalisation
New review finds that childhood neglect is consistently linked to weaker mentalisation, especially in psychosis. Abuse shows mixed results, but the overall pattern spans diagnoses.
🧵 THREAD
#ChildhoodTrauma #Mentalisation
November 24, 2025 at 7:41 AM
How childhood trauma affects our ability to understand minds 🧩
New review finds that childhood neglect is consistently linked to weaker mentalisation, especially in psychosis. Abuse shows mixed results, but the overall pattern spans diagnoses.
🧵 THREAD
#ChildhoodTrauma #Mentalisation
New review finds that childhood neglect is consistently linked to weaker mentalisation, especially in psychosis. Abuse shows mixed results, but the overall pattern spans diagnoses.
🧵 THREAD
#ChildhoodTrauma #Mentalisation
Risk varied by stage and prognosis. Stage 4 cancers carried an aIRR (adjusted incidence rate ratio) of 3.1, while stages 1 and 2 did not show increased risk.
Psychological support should begin at diagnosis and continue through the first six months.
Psychological support should begin at diagnosis and continue through the first six months.
November 21, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Risk varied by stage and prognosis. Stage 4 cancers carried an aIRR (adjusted incidence rate ratio) of 3.1, while stages 1 and 2 did not show increased risk.
Psychological support should begin at diagnosis and continue through the first six months.
Psychological support should begin at diagnosis and continue through the first six months.
People diagnosed with cancer in this Danish study were more than twice as likely to die by suicide in the first five years after diagnosis. 📊
Risk peaked in the first six months and was highest for aggressive cancers like pancreas and oesophagus.
#CancerCare #SuicidePrevention #Oncology
🧵 THREAD
Risk peaked in the first six months and was highest for aggressive cancers like pancreas and oesophagus.
#CancerCare #SuicidePrevention #Oncology
🧵 THREAD
November 21, 2025 at 7:41 AM
People diagnosed with cancer in this Danish study were more than twice as likely to die by suicide in the first five years after diagnosis. 📊
Risk peaked in the first six months and was highest for aggressive cancers like pancreas and oesophagus.
#CancerCare #SuicidePrevention #Oncology
🧵 THREAD
Risk peaked in the first six months and was highest for aggressive cancers like pancreas and oesophagus.
#CancerCare #SuicidePrevention #Oncology
🧵 THREAD
Researchers saw that diagnostic switching was fairly rare, but remission happened often.
Genetic predisposition to depression and chronic pain increased the likelihood of switching diagnoses, while metabolic traits were linked to higher chances of remission.
Read the full blog: buff.ly/Vz9KOzz
Genetic predisposition to depression and chronic pain increased the likelihood of switching diagnoses, while metabolic traits were linked to higher chances of remission.
Read the full blog: buff.ly/Vz9KOzz
November 20, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Researchers saw that diagnostic switching was fairly rare, but remission happened often.
Genetic predisposition to depression and chronic pain increased the likelihood of switching diagnoses, while metabolic traits were linked to higher chances of remission.
Read the full blog: buff.ly/Vz9KOzz
Genetic predisposition to depression and chronic pain increased the likelihood of switching diagnoses, while metabolic traits were linked to higher chances of remission.
Read the full blog: buff.ly/Vz9KOzz
Recovery, relapse, and genetic risk in eating disorders.
A Danish study of more than 10,000 people with anorexia, bulimia, or EDNOS found that almost 9 in 10 reached a period of remission, and that genetic factors shaped who recovered and who relapsed.
#EatingDisorders #Genetics
🧵 THREAD
A Danish study of more than 10,000 people with anorexia, bulimia, or EDNOS found that almost 9 in 10 reached a period of remission, and that genetic factors shaped who recovered and who relapsed.
#EatingDisorders #Genetics
🧵 THREAD
November 20, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Recovery, relapse, and genetic risk in eating disorders.
A Danish study of more than 10,000 people with anorexia, bulimia, or EDNOS found that almost 9 in 10 reached a period of remission, and that genetic factors shaped who recovered and who relapsed.
#EatingDisorders #Genetics
🧵 THREAD
A Danish study of more than 10,000 people with anorexia, bulimia, or EDNOS found that almost 9 in 10 reached a period of remission, and that genetic factors shaped who recovered and who relapsed.
#EatingDisorders #Genetics
🧵 THREAD
Across studies, perceived racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination was linked with psychosis risk in both clinical and non-clinical populations.
The message is clear: racism is not just context, it’s a causal factor in mental health inequalities.
👉 Read our blog: buff.ly/EysiuO7
The message is clear: racism is not just context, it’s a causal factor in mental health inequalities.
👉 Read our blog: buff.ly/EysiuO7
November 19, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Across studies, perceived racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination was linked with psychosis risk in both clinical and non-clinical populations.
The message is clear: racism is not just context, it’s a causal factor in mental health inequalities.
👉 Read our blog: buff.ly/EysiuO7
The message is clear: racism is not just context, it’s a causal factor in mental health inequalities.
👉 Read our blog: buff.ly/EysiuO7
People from racialised communities face higher risks of psychosis, yet racism itself is rarely studied.
New review brings together global evidence showing consistent links between racial discrimination and psychotic symptoms & disorders.
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #Psychosis #Racism #Inequality
New review brings together global evidence showing consistent links between racial discrimination and psychotic symptoms & disorders.
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #Psychosis #Racism #Inequality
November 19, 2025 at 7:41 AM
People from racialised communities face higher risks of psychosis, yet racism itself is rarely studied.
New review brings together global evidence showing consistent links between racial discrimination and psychotic symptoms & disorders.
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #Psychosis #Racism #Inequality
New review brings together global evidence showing consistent links between racial discrimination and psychotic symptoms & disorders.
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #Psychosis #Racism #Inequality
Women with a history of domestic abuse were younger, more likely to be unemployed, face serious financial problems, have PTSD, addiction problems or missed service contacts.
The study calls for more proactive, trauma-informed care that recognises these risks.
👉 Read our blog: buff.ly/NdiOJI9
The study calls for more proactive, trauma-informed care that recognises these risks.
👉 Read our blog: buff.ly/NdiOJI9
November 18, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Women with a history of domestic abuse were younger, more likely to be unemployed, face serious financial problems, have PTSD, addiction problems or missed service contacts.
The study calls for more proactive, trauma-informed care that recognises these risks.
👉 Read our blog: buff.ly/NdiOJI9
The study calls for more proactive, trauma-informed care that recognises these risks.
👉 Read our blog: buff.ly/NdiOJI9
Over a quarter of women who died by suicide while under UK mental health care had experienced domestic abuse.
This new study from the Centre for Mental Health and Safety analysed 3,900 deaths to identify key risk factors & service gaps.
🧵 THREAD
#SuicidePrevention #DomesticAbuse #WomensHealth
This new study from the Centre for Mental Health and Safety analysed 3,900 deaths to identify key risk factors & service gaps.
🧵 THREAD
#SuicidePrevention #DomesticAbuse #WomensHealth
November 18, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Over a quarter of women who died by suicide while under UK mental health care had experienced domestic abuse.
This new study from the Centre for Mental Health and Safety analysed 3,900 deaths to identify key risk factors & service gaps.
🧵 THREAD
#SuicidePrevention #DomesticAbuse #WomensHealth
This new study from the Centre for Mental Health and Safety analysed 3,900 deaths to identify key risk factors & service gaps.
🧵 THREAD
#SuicidePrevention #DomesticAbuse #WomensHealth
The model showed good accuracy (C-indexes ranging from 0.74 to 0.81) and worked fairly across ethnic groups and diagnoses.
If implemented safely, it could guide earlier interventions, helping clinicians act before a crisis hits.
Read our summary 👉 buff.ly/vkXjTlN
If implemented safely, it could guide earlier interventions, helping clinicians act before a crisis hits.
Read our summary 👉 buff.ly/vkXjTlN
November 17, 2025 at 7:41 AM
The model showed good accuracy (C-indexes ranging from 0.74 to 0.81) and worked fairly across ethnic groups and diagnoses.
If implemented safely, it could guide earlier interventions, helping clinicians act before a crisis hits.
Read our summary 👉 buff.ly/vkXjTlN
If implemented safely, it could guide earlier interventions, helping clinicians act before a crisis hits.
Read our summary 👉 buff.ly/vkXjTlN
Can we predict who’s most at risk of psychiatric hospitalisation?
A new BMJ Mental Health study by Taquet et al. (2025) developed an early warning score using routine clinical data from 37,000 patients across 20 US centres.
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #Psychiatry #DataScience
A new BMJ Mental Health study by Taquet et al. (2025) developed an early warning score using routine clinical data from 37,000 patients across 20 US centres.
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #Psychiatry #DataScience
November 17, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Can we predict who’s most at risk of psychiatric hospitalisation?
A new BMJ Mental Health study by Taquet et al. (2025) developed an early warning score using routine clinical data from 37,000 patients across 20 US centres.
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #Psychiatry #DataScience
A new BMJ Mental Health study by Taquet et al. (2025) developed an early warning score using routine clinical data from 37,000 patients across 20 US centres.
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #Psychiatry #DataScience
Even after adjusting for demographics & treatments, young adults had lower recovery rates & were more likely to deteriorate.
If outcomes were equal across age groups, 23,000 more young adults would have recovered over four years.
So how can services do better?
👉 Read the blog: buff.ly/IBVwyj9
If outcomes were equal across age groups, 23,000 more young adults would have recovered over four years.
So how can services do better?
👉 Read the blog: buff.ly/IBVwyj9
November 14, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Even after adjusting for demographics & treatments, young adults had lower recovery rates & were more likely to deteriorate.
If outcomes were equal across age groups, 23,000 more young adults would have recovered over four years.
So how can services do better?
👉 Read the blog: buff.ly/IBVwyj9
If outcomes were equal across age groups, 23,000 more young adults would have recovered over four years.
So how can services do better?
👉 Read the blog: buff.ly/IBVwyj9
Are NHS Talking Therapies failing young adults?
A new study analysed data from 1.5 million people treated for anxiety or depression in England. It found that outcomes were consistently worse for 16–24 year olds, compared with adults aged 25-65.
🧵 THREAD
#YouthMentalHealth #Psychotherapy
A new study analysed data from 1.5 million people treated for anxiety or depression in England. It found that outcomes were consistently worse for 16–24 year olds, compared with adults aged 25-65.
🧵 THREAD
#YouthMentalHealth #Psychotherapy
November 14, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Are NHS Talking Therapies failing young adults?
A new study analysed data from 1.5 million people treated for anxiety or depression in England. It found that outcomes were consistently worse for 16–24 year olds, compared with adults aged 25-65.
🧵 THREAD
#YouthMentalHealth #Psychotherapy
A new study analysed data from 1.5 million people treated for anxiety or depression in England. It found that outcomes were consistently worse for 16–24 year olds, compared with adults aged 25-65.
🧵 THREAD
#YouthMentalHealth #Psychotherapy
We have now reached the end of the #DigitalYouth conference!
A huge thank you to everyone who ran the event 😄
There are some really valuable projects going on and I can't wait to see what we can achieve next... 🥳
A huge thank you to everyone who ran the event 😄
There are some really valuable projects going on and I can't wait to see what we can achieve next... 🥳
November 13, 2025 at 4:39 PM
We have now reached the end of the #DigitalYouth conference!
A huge thank you to everyone who ran the event 😄
There are some really valuable projects going on and I can't wait to see what we can achieve next... 🥳
A huge thank you to everyone who ran the event 😄
There are some really valuable projects going on and I can't wait to see what we can achieve next... 🥳
Cathy wraps up by reminding us of the keys to successfully bringing digital interventions from research to practice
An inspiring talk and we can learn a lot from the success of OSI!
🔗 Learn more from OSI’s example here doi.org/10.1111/camh...
#DigitalYouth
An inspiring talk and we can learn a lot from the success of OSI!
🔗 Learn more from OSI’s example here doi.org/10.1111/camh...
#DigitalYouth
November 13, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Cathy wraps up by reminding us of the keys to successfully bringing digital interventions from research to practice
An inspiring talk and we can learn a lot from the success of OSI!
🔗 Learn more from OSI’s example here doi.org/10.1111/camh...
#DigitalYouth
An inspiring talk and we can learn a lot from the success of OSI!
🔗 Learn more from OSI’s example here doi.org/10.1111/camh...
#DigitalYouth
Innovation spotlight 🌍 Iceland rollout Flikk, a version of OSI (Online Support and Intervention for Children)
Quick screening, brief clinician call, then access to digital support.
Smart integration of digital & primary care
#DigitalYouth
Quick screening, brief clinician call, then access to digital support.
Smart integration of digital & primary care
#DigitalYouth
November 13, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Innovation spotlight 🌍 Iceland rollout Flikk, a version of OSI (Online Support and Intervention for Children)
Quick screening, brief clinician call, then access to digital support.
Smart integration of digital & primary care
#DigitalYouth
Quick screening, brief clinician call, then access to digital support.
Smart integration of digital & primary care
#DigitalYouth
“Aim for better, not just cheaper” - something thats really important to keep in mind when scaling digital interventions💰
A well-thought-out intervention might have higher initialcosts, but will lead to savings down the line when implemented in services
#DigitalYouth
A well-thought-out intervention might have higher initialcosts, but will lead to savings down the line when implemented in services
#DigitalYouth
November 13, 2025 at 4:25 PM
“Aim for better, not just cheaper” - something thats really important to keep in mind when scaling digital interventions💰
A well-thought-out intervention might have higher initialcosts, but will lead to savings down the line when implemented in services
#DigitalYouth
A well-thought-out intervention might have higher initialcosts, but will lead to savings down the line when implemented in services
#DigitalYouth
The next step in moving interventions from research to practice? Evaluate them in the real world🌍
Cathy’s advice to researchers? Once in the real world, keep testing, listening, and improving. Scaling doesn’t mean stopping evaluation📊
#DigitalYouth
Cathy’s advice to researchers? Once in the real world, keep testing, listening, and improving. Scaling doesn’t mean stopping evaluation📊
#DigitalYouth
November 13, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The next step in moving interventions from research to practice? Evaluate them in the real world🌍
Cathy’s advice to researchers? Once in the real world, keep testing, listening, and improving. Scaling doesn’t mean stopping evaluation📊
#DigitalYouth
Cathy’s advice to researchers? Once in the real world, keep testing, listening, and improving. Scaling doesn’t mean stopping evaluation📊
#DigitalYouth
We want these interventions to make clinicians jobs easier. They should result in less admin & easy outcome tracking.
One clinician said that with OSI “I can book more cases & be more flexible.”
Any clinicians reading, do you find digital interventions make your job easier? #DigitalYouth
One clinician said that with OSI “I can book more cases & be more flexible.”
Any clinicians reading, do you find digital interventions make your job easier? #DigitalYouth
November 13, 2025 at 4:15 PM
We want these interventions to make clinicians jobs easier. They should result in less admin & easy outcome tracking.
One clinician said that with OSI “I can book more cases & be more flexible.”
Any clinicians reading, do you find digital interventions make your job easier? #DigitalYouth
One clinician said that with OSI “I can book more cases & be more flexible.”
Any clinicians reading, do you find digital interventions make your job easier? #DigitalYouth
Cathy says that successful digital interventions must meet clinicians, parents & young people where they are - not expect them to adapt to the tech.
Simple & flexible interventions work best. Parents loved being able to “do a module while washing dishes” or “log in at midnight.” #DigitalYouth
Simple & flexible interventions work best. Parents loved being able to “do a module while washing dishes” or “log in at midnight.” #DigitalYouth
November 13, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Cathy says that successful digital interventions must meet clinicians, parents & young people where they are - not expect them to adapt to the tech.
Simple & flexible interventions work best. Parents loved being able to “do a module while washing dishes” or “log in at midnight.” #DigitalYouth
Simple & flexible interventions work best. Parents loved being able to “do a module while washing dishes” or “log in at midnight.” #DigitalYouth