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Mental and Physical Health (MENPHYS): Translating Theory to Practice

The enormous impact of disability due to mental illness and mood disorders has been globally recognised (WHO, 2001) and costs UK society (public services and business) an estimated £77bn per year. Depression and stress-related disorders account for a significant proportion of this cost, but addictions, and physical health problems among people with severe and enduring mental illness are also major contributors. The cost of pharmacological interventions is dramatically increasing. 

Mental health has typically been viewed as a psychiatric, psychological or biological phenomena, resulting in mono-disciplinary research and treatment plans and services. Mind-body connections have often been ignored. Non-pharmacological approaches to the prevention and treatment of mental health problems (e.g., Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, physical activity) may have much to offer but the research evidence-base has historically been under funded, and therefore lacking. In many contexts there is rapidly growing interest in non-pharmacological interventions that may offer options for self-care, less public financial burden for treatment and care, and prevention prior to treatment. Advances in understanding how and if these interventions work requires an interdisciplinary approach. 

MENPHYS is an Interdisciplinary Research Network interested in developing theory driven interventions and examining, through rigorous research methods, the effectiveness of such cognitive and behavioural interventions. The initial expertise in the network is drawn from the behavioural, social and medical sciences, and linked to interventions involving exercise practitioners, clinical psychologists and psychiatrist, and medical and health professionals. The scope of the network enables further expansion to include those concerned with physical and mental well-being in education and occupational settings.

Aims of MENPHYS

1. To provide a catalyst for collaborative research within and between University of Exeter schools, and the community, by increasing awareness of expertise and interest.
2. To provide the infrastructure for proactive and responsive research bids which bridge disciplines, theoretical perspectives and extend opportunities for application of theory.
3. To provide a virtual academic forum which fosters the development of new researchers and research students across the respective Schools.
4. To foster an interdisciplinary understanding of mental health, its aetiology, appropriate preventative and treatment interventions, ways to enhance quality of life among people with severe and enduring mental illness (SEMI), and interactions between physical and mental health.