Improving mental health in primary care: novel psychological and pharmacological interventions
The eleventh in our series of webinars focusing on innovation and impact in primary care research.
Date: 26 January 2026, 1-2pm, via Zoom.
Contributors:
- Nicola Wiles, Professor of Epidemiology, Centre for Academic Mental Health, University of Bristol
- Dr Daniela Strelchuk, Senior Research Associate in Primary Care Mental health, University of Bristol
- Dr Charlotte Archer, Research Fellow, Centre for Academic Mental Health and Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol
Download the PowerPoint slides: Improving mental health in primary care webinar (PDF, 2,340kB)
Watch the recording:
Description
Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common mental health conditions among patients seen in UK primary care. However, only about 50% of people with anxiety and depression respond to the most commonly used treatments (medication and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)) and there are limited treatments for PTSD in primary care. Novel approaches to treatment are needed.
This webinar showcased work that is taking place at the University of Bristol to research novel interventions for depression, anxiety and PTSD. This includes:
- A multi-centre randomised controlled trial examining the efficacy of a novel psychological intervention - eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) - for depression (the EYE-D trial)
- The development of a prototype for a guided self-help EMDR intervention for PTSD in primary care
- A mixed-methods research programme to investigate the use of beta-blockers for anxiety in primary care.
This webinar is for anyone with an interest in primary care mental health research. It will be of particular interest to primary care practitioners, policy makers and researchers.