Professor Nick Craddock, Chair of the RCPsych Faculty of Academic Psychiatry, said:
"This unprecedented six-month
review by
the Medical Research Council (MRC) sets out very powerfully the
importance of mental health research. We welcome the findings of
the review and the challenge that its recommendations sets to all
those involved with mental health research.
"Mental health patients are disadvantaged
because research funding lags behind that for physical illnesses
like cancer, heart disease or diabetes. This review outlines
clear goals to address this problem.
"Increasing mental health research has the
potential to transform lives. The ambition to accelerate R&D to
provide new and effective treatments must be a paramount focus for
the research community.
"This report also shows us that there is a
huge social and economic imperative to push a strategic rethink of
funding for mental health research, which the Government needs to
address. The recommendation to look at research around
prevention could bring viable long-term economic benefits across
Government.
"Furthering knowledge and improving
services and treatments for those with mental illness is a core
mission of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. We will work closely
with the MRC and others to take advantage of the opportunities that
joint action could bring about."
For further information, please
contact:
Liz Leicester
or Deborah Hart in the Communications
Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127
References:
The Review of Mental Health Research Report of the Strategic Review Group
2010 is published on the MRC website www.mrc.ac.uk