Sign in

Dr James Dearden

@drjamesdearden.bsky.social
672 followers 555 following 98 posts

Husband. Father to 3 goons. Consultant Paediatrician with critical care & mental health special interest. CYP MH advisor to Devon ICB. Clinical Co-Lead for South West Paediatric Mental Health Network. Maintaining a precarious relationship with coffee.

PostsRepliesMedia
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
A brutal summary of what our CYP are dealing with and what we are seeing so much more of across the spectrum in paediatrics. Most of this is not mental illness that requires specialist CAMHS provision and input, but the impacts on life and function are very very real. apple.news/AwFvzoKRGT_W...
apple.news
Age of anxiety: poll reveals teen views on stress, social media and school — The Times and The Sunday Times
They lost months of schooling to the Covid lockdowns, have been exposed to an explosion in online pornography and have had more screen time and access to social media than ever before. Now the most co...
171
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Really proud to have been a part of this team and to sign off with my final editorial comment on such a great edition! As always - there are some absolute gems to watch out for in here, so well worth reading from cover to cover. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and continues to do so!
141
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Hannah O'Sullivan @sullydaysleeper.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
This is an excellent piece, well worth reading, it is on the outsourcing of mental healthcare to the charity sector/commodification of suicide prevention. madinireland.com/2025/05/dark...
madinireland.com
Darkness into light - masking systemic neglect in mental health - Mad in Ireland
Darkness into light
1108
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
STAR-CAT Study @starcatstudy.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
We're very excited to finish off the week with our first family recruited to the STAR-CAT study! 🎉 🥳 Great work from one of our teams in Devon 🌟
0114
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
ACAMH - Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health @acamh.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Teens: What New Research Reveals - New blog from Sophie Mizrahi www.acamh.org/blog/teen-in... A 2024 systematic review and meta‑analysis by Galgut and colleagues highlights that CBT for insomnia markedly improves insomnia severity
acamh.org
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Teens: What New Research Reveals
A 2024 systematic review and meta‑analysis by Galgut and colleagues highlights that cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT‑I) markedly improves insomnia severity and, to a lesser extent, subj...
032
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
This is great - a nuanced discussion, particularly calling out some of the more alarmist voices on this subject
030
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
The King's Fund @thekingsfund.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
'It seems strange to be so silent on something that has such a profound and harmful effect on people’s health and happiness, and across generations.' Julia Cream says drop the euphemisms and stop sugarcoating poverty in a new blog. buff.ly/RHxCuW4
buff.ly
Drop The Euphemisms And Stop Sugarcoating Poverty | The King's Fund
There appears to be an unusual reticence within the NHS when it comes to acknowledging poverty. Could identifying it more explicitly be beneficial? Julia Cream explores this matter.
076
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
STAR-CAT Study @starcatstudy.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
We're excited to announce that the trial is now open to recruitment! Welcome to our very first site, Cambridge Community Services NHS Trust 👋 Over the next two years we will be aiming to recruit 650 families - have a read of our website to find out more: osiresearch.org.uk/star-cat 👈
1177
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Amy Orben @orbenamy.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
I am so excited that this is now out. An absolutely **mammoth** amount of work, please give this thread a read ⬇️💪💪
17520
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Dr Lucy Foulkes @lucyfoulkes.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Great new study that will contribute usefully to the social media and mental health question. It uses more detailed assessment of both social media use and mental health, which has been a bit issue with previous research. This study shows that... (cont)
2176
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Luisa Fassi @fassiluisa.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
For a lay summary: www.cam.ac.uk/research/new...
cam.ac.uk
Adolescents with mental health conditions use social media differently than their peers, study suggests
One of the first studies in this area to use clinical-level diagnoses reveals a range of differences between young people with and without mental health
0166
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Dr Lucy Foulkes @lucyfoulkes.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
This is a *key* new paper in the world of school mental health interventions A very large trial (N=6388) testing a universal CBT-based app for adolescent depression (13-14y) No effects found (on depression, anxiety, distress or insomnia) (🧵) mentalhealth.bmj.com/content/28/1...
Future Proofing Study: a cluster randomised
controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a
universal school-based cognitive–behavioural
programme for adolescent depression
1222795
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Ian Dunt @iandunt.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
It's one of the greatest things I have ever seen.
451155225
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
@centreformh.bsky.social have produced another stellar publication c quantifiable data measuring the impact of complex MH conditions. Whilst the study population is in adults, the genesis of these stories is in early childhood & adolescence. #KidsMH www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/wp-content/u...
centreformentalhealth.org.uk
010
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
This is challenging news.
010
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) @rcpch.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
We’ve had a brilliant start to the RCPCH 2025 Conference in Glasgow today! Check out some of our highlights from Day 1 👇 www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/news/rcpch-conference-2025-highlights-day-1 #RCPCH25
0125
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Sadly clashes with Mental Health Committee morning session, but have serious FOMO about this breakfast workshop!
122
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
Excited about the next 3 days learning, networking and sharing great practice @rcpch.bsky.social #RCPCH25 Watch out for demos of the new ALSG course - CYP APEx (Acute Psychosocial Emergencies) and the MH workshop on day 2 11am!
130
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
For any research colleagues interested in CYP MH interventions… www.nihr.ac.uk/funding/chil... @thementalelf.bsky.social @elainelockhart.bsky.social #KidsMH @cypmentalhealth.bsky.social @rcpch.bsky.social @rcpsych.bsky.social @rcem.ac.uk @lucyfoulkes.bsky.social @chattydietitian.bsky.social
nihr.ac.uk
021
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Fantastic night at the Peninsula PAFTAs celebrating all that is great about Paediatrics and the people we work with. Such a great honour to work with so many exceptional staff working to support CYP and families in Cornwall and Devon. @rcpch.bsky.social paftas.net/the-winners-2/
030
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Wish there was an easy way to set up an automatic repost when these podcasts drop! They’re great!
230
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) @rcpch.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
The spring edition of #RCPCHMilestones explores how health professionals can come together to support children and young people – from navigating screen time to adopting a pro-play mindset. www.rcpch.ac.uk/milestones @sebjgray.bsky.social @drjamesdearden.bsky.social @headsmartfellow.bsky.social
2108
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Dr Karen Bateson @karenjbateson.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Investment in early intervention and prevention services, including parent-infant relationship services, is vital. Statement from the BPS. www.bps.org.uk/news/investm...
bps.org.uk
042
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition @cypmentalhealth.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
🧵A new report by @edupolicyinst.bsky.social calls on the government to address the underlying causes of school absences- a key factor in the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers. epi.org.uk/publications... (1/4)
epi.org.uk
Breaking down the gap - Education Policy Institute
The latest report by EPI investigates the drivers of the disadvantage gap and calls on the government to address the underlying causes of school absences, as it identifies higher levels of absence to ...
111
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
NIHR ARC Wessex @arcwessex.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Wednesday, June 18 | Using Evidence to Change Child Health: Moving from Research to Impact @nisreenalwan.bsky.social @hantsconnect.bsky.social @sotonhsciences.bsky.social @buresearch.bsky.social www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/using-evid...
eventbrite.co.uk
Using Evidence to Change Child Health: Moving from Research to Impact
An opportunity to share and learn about current research in child health and to discuss how evidence can inform policy and practice.
032
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
The Health Foundation @healthfoundation.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
🧵 Responding to this new report from @theifs.bsky.social, which we have supported, @jobibby.bsky.social says we are right to be concerned about the worsening mental health of the working-age population, but the government's upcoming Green Paper presents an opportunity for a new approach ⬇️
‘Improving health requires strengthening the building blocks of health, like adequate income and quality work… The upcoming Green Paper presents an opportunity for the government, employers and businesses to adopt a new approach that supports everyone.’ Jo Bibby, Director of Health at the Health Foundation
272
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) @rcpch.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Good nutrition is at the heart of health, wellbeing and development for children and young people. Today we joined over 40 other organisations in parliament calling for #FreeSchoolMealsForAll 👇
062
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
The Health Foundation @healthfoundation.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Analysis from our response to Treasury’s Spending Review recommends, to boost existing prevention services in local government, the public health grant should be restored to real-terms equivalent of 2015/16 per person levels, taking annual budget in 2028/29 to £5.1bn. Read more ⬇️ buff.ly/PZy70zU
Line chart of change in public health allocations 2015/16-2025/26, England, real terms per person (GDP deflator) showing that the public health grant has been cut by more than a quarter since 2015/16.
032
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Tom Gauld @tomgauld.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Happy World Book Day!
Title: Possible Early Precursors to World Book Day 

1. Boktide, 1000ad A grand tournament of literature, culminating with the king choosing one 800k For 'Ethelred's Book Club' and writing a blurb for the cover. 

2. Night of Sacrifice, 800ad By the light of the full moon, offerings of overdue books and tiny sums of money were made at shrines to the savage librarian-god Schussh. 

3. Day of Banishment, 600ad The weakest member of the tribe was given writing materials, sent into the wilderness and only allowed to return if they wrote a bestselling book.
151359375
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Simon Chapman AO @simonchapman.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
In vast areas of the US, the sentiments expressed in this wonderful letter from a British man about why it's a privilege to pay tax to enable the National Health Service to run would see him probably certified as insane and labelled a "socialist".
24363811476
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition @cypmentalhealth.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
A Guardian article explores the youth mental health crisis highlighting how youth is no longer one of the happiest times of life🧵 www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
theguardian.com
Mental health crisis ‘means youth is no longer one of happiest times of life’
UN-commissioned study in UK, US, Ireland, Australia, Canada and New Zealand finds satisfaction rises with age
143
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Alasdair Munro @apsmunro.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
I wrote about Measles two years ago due to concerns of outbreaks in London with falling vaccination rates Everything written here is relevant to the current outbreak in Texas, where tragically a child has now died Everything you wish you never needed to know about Measles #PedSky #IDSky 🧪
alasdairmunro.substack.com
The Misery: Return of Measles
Low vaccination rates in London are an opportunity for the old scourge
13619
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
The Mental Elf @thementalelf.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Guidelines for involving young people with lived experience in suicide research www.nationalelfservice.net?p=213158 #Suicide #SuicideResearch #LivedExperience #YoungPeople #YouthMentalHealth #Involvement #Coproduction #Guidelines
nationalelfservice.net
Guidelines for involving young people with lived experience in suicide research - National Elf Service
Dhea Bendargi summarises a Delphi study that involved lived experience and researcher stakeholders in developing a comprehensive set of guidelines for involving youth with lived and living experience ...
1115
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
Absolutely brilliant 15 minute micro-learning from @rcem.ac.uk Recent data from 2012-22 has shown an increase of >500% in 11-15yr old girls requiring ward admission for eating disorder. www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2025/ja... This is mandatory reading for PEM and acute paediatricians. @rcpch.bsky.social
ucl.ac.uk
Significant rise in mental health admissions for young people in last decade
There was a 65% increase in the number of children and young people being admitted to general acute medical wards in hospitals in England because of a mental health concern between 2012 and 2022, find...
067
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Allison Gill @muellershewrote.com · 19/02/2025
I can’t remember where I read this, but it’s important: Why is it that when people think about traveling to the past, they worry about doing something small that will drastically change the present, but no one in the present thinks that doing something small today can drastically change the future?
620250955309
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Dr Kate Womersley @katewomersley.com · 18/02/2025
Started reading The BFG to my daughter last night. Caught off guard by the dedication, to Olivia, his daughter who died of measles at just 7. Strikes even harder now that vaccination is being demonised. Here's Roald Dahl's warning about this dangerous illness: www.roalddahlfans.com/dahls-work/e...
1339
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Youth Resilience Unit @qmulresilience.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Just a reminder that some of our researchers working on #loneliness will be at this event this Friday, February 21 · 2:30 - 5pm GMT, Science Gallery London (with some live-streaming) - pls share widely!
043
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
This seems common sense, but this sort of research and data is 100% required if we are to understand the CYP MH crisis and mitigate against it. Thanks team. #KidsMH
070
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 15/02/2025
Would genuinely brick myself.
010
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
NEJM.org @nejm.org · 12/02/2025
#Obesity often develops in childhood. In children with obesity, treatment with liraglutide for 56 weeks + lifestyle interventions induced a greater mean change in BMI than lifestyle interventions alone. Full SCALE Kids phase 3a trial results: nej.md/3MBP1uc #MedSky #PedSky
Liraglutide for Children with Obesity

A Research Summary based on Fox CK et al. | 10.1056/NEJMoa2407379 | Published on September 10, 2024
11312
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Prof James B Kirkbride @kirkbride.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
In our @ukri.org @phiuk.bsky.social Population Mental Health consortium, we're hoping to change that by recruiting a Community Insights Panel to help us set the direction for community mental health research & practice in the UK. Interested? Find out more here: www.kcl.ac.uk/news/populat... 2/2
kcl.ac.uk
Population Mental Health looking for people to join Community Insights Panel
Recruitment is now open for the Population Mental Health Community Insights Panel.
086
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Mind @mind.org.uk · 11/02/2025
This is yet another example of people with mental health problems not getting the support they need. www.theguardian.com/society/2025/feb/11/mental-health-patients-delayed-discharge-costs-nhs-71m-pounds
theguardian.com
Mental health patients with nowhere to go cost NHS £71m in England, report finds
Accommodation shortages caused 109,000 days of delayed discharge in 2023-24, says National Housing Federation
36120
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Dr Elaine Lockhart @elainelockhart.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/t... More excellent content with Prof Kapil Sayal and Andrea Danese talking about the large multi-centred RCT STADIA study and the impact of trauma and PTSD in children and young people. Less than 10% CYP with PTSD access effective treatment.
podcasts.apple.com
Children's Mental Health: Listen Up - New Year Conference Special (Part 3)
Podcast Episode · The Royal College of Psychiatrists Podcast · 10/02/2025 · 41m
052
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition @cypmentalhealth.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
We were pleased to attend the APPG for suicide and self harm prevention meeting today. We heard from Baroness Merron on the Government's steps towards suicide prevention as well as key upcoming policy initiatives like the 10-year health plan. #suicideprevention #mentalhealth
021
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
I can identify with this
000
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Kim @kim4thebabies.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
452305839000
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Centre for Mental Health @centreformh.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Mental health difficulties in children & young people cast a long shadow that can last a lifetime. Yet services are underfunded, and too many children face unacceptably long waits for support. We need action: tinyurl.com/centreformh #CMHW #FutureMinds www.independent.co.uk/business/gov...
independent.co.uk
Government will not boost economic growth ‘until mental health crisis tackled’
NHS data shows one in five children and young people experience a common mental health problem such as anxiety or depression.
041
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
ACAMH - Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health @acamh.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Ooh look, Prof. @umartoseeb.bsky.social here! Director of the Child and Adolescent Neurodevelopmental Diversity group, #ACAMHlearn champion podcast interviewer, and all round lovely person. Follow him. Listen to him interview on our pods by searching ACAMH where you get your pods from.
051
Reposted by Dr James Dearden
Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition @cypmentalhealth.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
🧵This #Children’sMentalHealthWeek we launched the #FutureMinds campaign urging the Government to take action and support children’s mental health as an investment in the future of our society. We came together with leading charities to make the case for change, providing a clear costed plan. 1/4
195
Dr James Dearden @drjamesdearden.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Finally some good news www.gov.uk/government/n... #KidsMH @cfyounglives.bsky.social @marmotihe.bsky.social @michaelmarmot.bsky.social
gov.uk
Local public health services given £200 million boost
Local communities to receive funding for family and school nurses, sexual health clinics and other public health services.
071