Cohort profile: working age adults accessing secondary mental health services in South London (UK) and benefits - a data linkage of electronic mental health records and benefits data.

Abstract

Introduction: In the UK, mental disorders are one of the most common reasons for claiming a benefit relating to unemployment, income, sickness and disability. Limited information exists regarding the demographic characteristics and psychiatric profiles of working age individuals claiming benefits in London. Until recently, detailed data on both mental disorders and benefit receipt were unavailable.

Objectives: To establish and describe a cohort of working age adults accessing secondary mental health services and benefits related to unemployment, income, sickness, and disability.

Methods: Using a novel data linkage containing electronic secondary mental health records from the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust and benefits data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), we present descriptive statistics on sociodemographics, psychiatric diagnoses, and benefits received among a cohort of working age adults. The DWP benefits data window covers the period January 2007-June 2020, the SLaM data window covers the period January 2007-June 2019.

Results: We identified n = 150,348 patients (18-65 years), who had attended SLaM secondary mental health services, 78.3% of which had received a benefit relating to unemployment, income, sickness and disability. Of this group, 68% had a recorded primary psychiatric diagnosis. We found that a much higher percentage of those with a primary psychiatric diagnosis received more than one benefit (69.4%) compared to those who had not received a primary psychiatric diagnosis (30.6%). Almost 70% of claimants who obtained more than one benefit were identified as living within the two quintiles representing the highest levels of deprivation in the South-east London boroughs served by SLaM.

Conclusions: We showed types of benefits received among working age adults accessing secondary mental health services. This cohort will be further examined to explore trajectories of mental health care and benefit receipt and provide evidence that will help to inform both DWP policies and mental health care delivery.