Work

Change in Mental Health Trends in Scotland, UK pre- and post-COVID-19

Year: 2025

Type: book-chapter

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdowns have had profound impacts on population mental health in Scotland. In this study, we examine the impact on the relationship between the number of patients receiving in-patient care for mental health related diagnoses and the number of patients on waiting lists for mental health treatment. Prior to March 2020, increased waiting lists did not translate into an increase in hospital admissions. Post-March 2020, however, we found that more patients on waiting lists corresponded to more patients being hospitalised. Our analysis indicates that the relationship between waiting lists and in-patient treatment changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this may be contributing to additional pressures on hospitals and mental health services in Scotland.

Source: Studies in health technology and informatics

DOI: 10.3233/shti250588

Authors: Elizabeth A. Cooke, Agnieszka Lemanska, Spencer A. Thomas

Institutions: National Physical Laboratory, University of Surrey

Language: English

Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Government of the United Kingdom