Working with the media is one important way we can help promote public awareness and understanding of mental health issues. Here are just a few examples in recent months when our experts, service users or staff have featured in the media. You can see the coverage highlighted by clicking on the links in blue. For media enquiries about our work contact the Communications and Media Department

'Wickedly funny and deeply moving' play about anorexia hits the stage (29 April 2013)

A play with songs based on writer and performer Caroline Horton’s own experiences of anorexia nervosa hit the stage in Stockton in April. The play was written with advice from experts at Maudsley Hospital. (Northern Echo)

Why diagnosing dementia could become that little bit easier (27 April 2013)

Diagnosing dementia is notoriously difficult – sometimes taking months, even years – and involves numerous visits to doctors, hospitals, blood tests, scans and more often than not, a great deal of frustration and heartbreak. But now GPs across England are testing a new IPAD computer programme which aims to speed up diagnosis. (Channel 4)

Tackling the traits of teen alcoholism (21 March 2013)

After taking part in a pilot project with the National Addictions Centre to tackle alcohol misuse using targeted interventions with students grouped by personality traits and individual tendencies, Corelli College saw a real impact. (SecEd)

Number of over-60s suffering mental health problems caused by excessive drinking soars 150% in a decade (16 March 2013)

A study carried out by psychiatrists are South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust has found the number of admissions for people with behavioural and mental disorders linked to alcohol use has gone from 3,247 in 2002 to 8,120 in 2012. The study found that alcohol is causing a rise in the numbers diagnosed with dementia. Experts say the figures confirm an epidemic of late-onset drinking during retirement and following bereavement. Mail Online

 Funds bring dry bar a step closer (8 March 2013)

The North East's first ever dry bar is a step closer after being granted funding from the Maudsley Hospital. The bar will offer non-alcoholic drinks and food, without the booze-fuelled antics associated with other pubs in town. It will be designed to look like any bar on the street, but will not sell alcohol. Bosses at the Newcastle based charity Road to Recovery said there was a need for a “dry” bar in Newcastle because of the price alcohol was costing families and the economy.
Newcastle Evening Chronicle

Tracking patients on leave from a secure setting (1 March 2013)

Dave Hearn, security team leader at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust explains how use of a global position satellite device can help staff reduce absconding, and protect patients and members of the public from risk of harm. Mental Health Practice

Bringing back memories (27 February 2013)

A charity that uses reminiscence to reach out to older people is improving dementia care. Age Exchange, based in Blackheath, South London, has been funded by Maudsley Charity to run a three year 'Hearts and Minds' project, which uses art, music and remeniscence to help older people with dementia, and to improve their culture and care. You can find out more about Age Exchange here.

'The brain is not a pudding, it's an exquisite engine' (24 February 2013)

Uta Frith, the neuroscientist who first recognised autism as a condition of the brain, rather than a result of 'cold parenting' reflects on her career, including her time at Maudsley Hospital. The Observer

E-therapy, equality and access (1 February 2013)

E-therapy and smart technology have become a part of the counselling lexicon, which is no surprise, given that three quarters of houses in the UK are connected to the internet, and on average we spend around two hours a day online. As a result, online counselling and therapy is on the up, and is forming a growing part of mental health services. Therapy Today

Heavy drinking can lead to poor sexual performance (18 January 2013)

An article appeared in the Daily Mail about how drinking heavily or taking drugs can impair sexual performance in men, featuring a quote from Professor David Taylor on the affect of prescription drugs on sexual function. Daily Mail

Norman Lamb visits Maudsley Hospital (10 January 2013)

The Health Service Journal reports that Norman Lamb visited Maudsley Hospital and suggested that the government may reconsider plans to make Payment by Results mandatory in the mental health sector. He was interviewed during a visit to South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Health Service Journal

A report on preventing brain damage in alcoholics (9 January 2013)

A report written by Irene Guerrini, Consultant Psychiatrist and Rosie Mundt-Leach, Head of Nursing in Addictions CAG, about preventing long-term brain damage in alcohol-dependent patients appeared in the Nursing Standard.

The benefits of coconut oil for Alzheimer's patients (8 January 2013)

Professor Robert Howard is quoted in an article in the Daily Mail about the possible benefits of coconut oil in easing Alzheimer’s disease. He warns that there is a “huge placebo response in Alzheimer’s”. Daily Mail

OBE for our eating disorders expert (3 January 2013)

Eating Disorder expert Professor Janet Treasure has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours. This article appeared in various publications, including the Canterbury Times, Faversham News, Kentish Gazette, Isle of Thanet Gazette, Southwark News.

Pilot schemes to improve services for severe mental illness (1st January 2013)

Six demonstration projects have begun to help improve access to psychological therapies for those with severe mental illnesses. Funding of £1.2 million will be used to help share information with other Trusts, about the delivery of the best treatments that lead improved patient choice and recovery. Healthcare Design and Management.