Psychosis

Who is involved in our studies?

The term ‘psychosis’ encompasses a number of symptoms associated with significant alterations to a person’s perception, thoughts, mood and behaviour. Individuals experiencing psychosis will have a different combination of symptoms, which may include:

• Hallucinations, Delusions, Disorganised speech and/or thoughts;
• Social withdrawal, reduced speech, self-neglect,
• Difficulties remembering things, staying focused on things such as tasks, conversations or trying to figure out how to do something.

At Oxford Health, researchers are investigating the different types of causes underpinning experiences in psychotic disorder the aim of developing better treatments.

Previous research suggests that there are a range of different factors that lead an individual to develop psychosis. These include:

• Psychological: how we see ourselves, very high stress and worry levels
• Social: difficult life experiences, taking illicit drugs
• Biological: how our brain functions
• Genetic: some people are more vulnerable than others due to their genetics

Schizophrenia is the most common psychotic disorder, however we now know that there are a range of other psychotic disorders.

Current research

We have a verity of different studies. Some involve a questionnaires, some involve a therapy and some involve taking a medication.  Some take place in our research clinics, in a clinical team base or sometimes they can take place in your home.

We are sometimes able to contact people directly about research, or get referrals from clinical teams. We are always appreciate hearing from people who are interested in getting involved.

Current Studies

ADEPP objective

To test whether combining Sertraline with current antipsychotics reduces likelihood of developing depression in individuals diagnosed with First Episode Psychosis

UAA objective

We want to understand the reasons why people may get angry or become aggressive. We can then use this information to better understand these reasons and support people by improving treatments to reduce violence. No previous experiences with anger or aggression are required for participation.

Connex 3 objective

To test a new medication developed to improve cognitive impairment in patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia.

DPIM objective

Aiming to find the genetic or other cause of mental illness by studying DNA in blood or saliva.. These variations may influence the way the DNA affects the body, such as increasing risk for a disease.

National Centre for Mental Health/ UK Minds objective

The purpose of this study is to collect information and samples for genetic, biological, psychological and clinical research. It is hoped that the findings will lead to new ways of diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.

PPIP2 objective

The objective of this study is to test enough patients with psychosis to be able to define the prevalence of schizophrenia that is caused by an antibody mediated disorder. Patients can opt into SINAPPS2 if blood test is positive.

Key contacts

There are many opportunities to become involved in research at Oxford Health if you experience psychosis. If you are interested in taking part, please contact us on: mentalhealthresearch@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk for further information on our current research opportunities.

Previous research studies

Previous studies