Psychotic disorder studies

Summary

To identify ways to help earlier identification, treatment and prevention of emerging psychosis patients. Controls will also be recruited. Participants will be invited to give a blood sample, and answer questionnaires. Patients (but not controls) will also be asked to complete questionaires via electronic means (online or via a phone app); shortly after their initial appointment and at least every six months for a duration of up to 3 years. If participants are unable to give blood (e.g. for clinical reasons) then saliva may be used. By participating, participants will allow researchers to learn more about the genetic sequence, chemical makeup, protein makeup, and the body’s natural defence system, to facilitate new research to drive improvements in the early diagnosis and treatment of psychosis. This will allow future studies to drive forward preventive approaches and new treatments.​​

Inclusion criteria

​*Inclusion criteria for cases (FEP or ARMS patients):

Those aged between 16 and 65 inclusive. 

Recorded history of FEP within the last three years and enrolment in an EIP Service within a participant NHS Trust site. 

OR 

Identified as ARMS, also known as CHR-P and enrolment in an EIP Service with a participating NHS Trust site. 

OR 

For parts of the UK where there are no EIP services (e.g. much of Scotland), presence of a diagnosis of FEP or ARMS recorded in the past three years and engagement with any secondary care NHS mental health service. 

Able to give informed written consent via REDCap. 

*Inclusion criteria for controls: 

Those aged between 16 and 65 inclusive; and 

Able to give fully informed written consent via REDCap.

Exclusion criteria

​​*Exclusion criteria for cases: 

Prisoners or in custody of HM Prison Services 

Inability to complete study measures as assessed by the study team. 

*Exclusion criteria for controls: 

All exclusion criteria as set out for cases; and 

Personal history of psychosis (self-report).​

Targeted, end date and PI

​EPUT: 60 

31.01.28 

PI: Jennifer Tanner

Study Lead: Helen Blake​

Summary

To investigate if genetic profiling can help optimise the prescribing of psychotropic medications, and lead to improved clinical outcomes and reduced side effects. Participants who consent to take part in the study will be offered genome-wide genotyping. To recruit adult patients with schizophrenia, delusional, schizophrenic or bipolar disorders. Hospital ward- or community centre-based initial assessment if the participant is an outpatient. Follow-up assessments can occur on the ward or in the community if the patient has been discharged. Final follow-up is based on clinical record.

Inclusion criteria

1. Patients aged 18+.

2. Men or women.

3. With an ICD10 diagnosis of any “mental, behavioural or neurodevelopmental disorders”, Codes F01 – F99.​​​

Exclusion criteria

​1. Patients with current high risks of self-harm or harm to others.

2. Patients who lack capacity to consent to taking part in the research.​​​

Targeted, end date and PI

EPUT: 45 

13.04.25

PI: Dr Shaimaa Aboelenien 

Study Lead: Natalie Rodney​

Summary

To understand if some psychosis cases are caused by immune system problems in some people. If the immune system goes wrong, it may cause autoimmune diseases. Some can be diagnosed using blood tests. The study looks at antibodies affecting N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDA-r)  or other neuronal membrane targets that may cause symptoms of psychosis and possibly some cases of schizophrenia, by working with the Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services across England to estimate the prevalence of these autoimmune diseases in people with first episode psychosis.

Inclusion criteria

1. Male or female

2. Aged 16-70

3. Diagnosis or first episode or relapse of psychosis illness

4. PANSS score of 4 or more on at least one of the following:

Positive Scale items 1, 2 and 3

Negative Scale items 1, 4 and 6

General Scale items 5 and 9

5. Duration of psychosis less than 2 years.

6. If in relapse, at least 6 months of remission prior to current episode.

Exclusion criteria

​1. Any other neurological disorders, including:

​• Multiple sclerosis

• Epilepsy

• Cerebrovascular disease

• Hydrocephalus

• Traumatic brain injury

• Meningo-encephalitis

• Systemic lupus erythematosus

• ​CNS vasculitis

2. Primary drug-induced psychosis.​

Targeted, end date and PI

​​EPUT: 100​ 

31.03.27 

PI: Dr Carla Villa 

Study Lead: Kristine Haselup

Summary

​Questionnaire focused on people’s beliefs about visual hallucinations. How people make sense of VH are key factors driving distress. Aim to develop better treatment.

Inclusion criteria

​1. Participant willing & able to give consent.

2. Any gender, aged 16+

3. Diagnosed with non-affective psychosis

4. Currently experiencing VH within last month

5. Currently attending NHS adult secondary or tertiary MH services

Exclusion criteria

1. Insufficient English language to understand & complete questionnaires.

2. Visions resulted from organic disorders.

Targeted, end date and PI

EPUT: 20 

04.03.25

PI: Dr Hem-Raj Pal 

Study Lead: Abigail Whiddon