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

Principle Investigator : Dr Daniel Maughan- Consultant Psychiatrist

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

DPIM objective

Principle Investigator: Dr Digby Quested- Consultant Psychiatrist

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

Principle Investigator: Professor Belinda Lennox- Professor of Psychiatry

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

Principal Investigator: Professor Belinda Lennox- Professor of Psychiatry

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.

BLACK ARTS

Principle Investigator: Dr Kakali Pal- Consultant Psychiatrist

Objective :To investigate the attitudes and opinions of black racial minority youth on the use of creative art therapies for psychiatric disorders and whether it is a viable “culturally competent” treatment option.  Suitable participants are.Black racial minority young person aged 16-24.Read, write and speak English. Enrolled or on the waitlist for therapeutic services within CAMHS, IAPT or Oxford Health services

CLEAR

Principle Investigator: Dr Antony James- Consultant Psychiatrist

Objective: The trial will assess whether Clozapine is more effective than treatment as usual (TAU) in people 12-25, at the level of clinical symptoms, patient related outcomes, quality of life and cost effectiveness.

RECOLLECT2

Principle Investigator: Stephanie Byrne- Head Of Recovery College

Objective: Exploring the impact of Recovery Colleges on student outcomes and factors which affect these such as effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Recovery Colleges.

Vision Quest

Principle Investigator: Cristina Sanchez-Pascal- Clinical Research Assistant

Objective: One in three people with psychosis experience visions, also know as visual hallucinations. Surprisingly little is known about these experiences. The study aims to develop our understanding of visions in two ways. 1- Develop a new measure exploring people’s belief’s about visions. 2-Explore the relationships between visions and other issues such as poor sleep and high worry.

Co-PICS

Principle Investigator: Dr Andrew Molodynski – Consultant Psychiatrist

Co Principle Investigator : Dr Digby Quested- Consultant Psychiatrist

Objective: To improve the case of diverse and under represented population by co-designing resource based on patients experience.

Sleeping Better

Principle Investigator: Dr Daniel Freeman- Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Objective: We are offering a 12 week cognitive-behavioural sleep intervention for individuals with a diagnosis of psychosis or at ultra-high risk for psychosis. We aim to improve sleep, mood, psychiatric symptom and overall functioning.

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

Page last reviewed: 31 July, 2024