Overview
Our Psychosis workstream builds upon the strong foundation of early psychosis (EP) networks and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Mental Health Translational Research Collaboration (MH-TRC) EP Work Stream, launched in 2019.
This initiative focuses on improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of early psychosis by advancing translational and experimental medicine research. We are enhancing these efforts by integrating cutting-edge techniques in digital phenotyping and genomics. This will result in a harmonized, deeply characterized data platform that speeds up research and provides the basis for future large-scale academic and commercial studies.
We aim to create an unparalleled resource by using validated approaches to recruit and assess individuals with early psychosis or those at high risk. By combining digital and clinical data with genetic and biomarker insights, we will improve diagnosis, refine treatment approaches, and develop new interventions. This work will significantly accelerate progress toward better prevention and treatment of psychosis.
Aims & Objectives
Our primary goal is to establish a UK-wide research infrastructure that promotes early identification, treatment, and prevention of psychosis. This inclusive platform will facilitate recruitment for commercial trials, while integrating standardized data on clinical phenotyping, genetics, biomarkers, and patient outcomes. By building on our national Early Psychosis (EP) network, we will continue to lead the way in psychosis research on a global scale.
Aims & Objectives
Our primary goal is to establish a UK-wide research infrastructure that promotes early identification, treatment, and prevention of psychosis. This inclusive platform will facilitate recruitment for commercial trials, while integrating standardized data on clinical phenotyping, genetics, biomarkers, and patient outcomes. By building on our national Early Psychosis (EP) network, we will continue to lead the way in psychosis research on a global scale.
Key Achievements to Date
- EPICare Platform: We have led the development and national rollout of the EPICare registry and clinical decision support system, which helps identify trial-ready cohorts for psychosis research.
- Early Intervention Mission (EIM) study: We are part of the UK-wide EIM study aiming to improve early identification, monitoring, and personalised care for people with a first episode of psychosis. The aim is to recruit 2,000 individuals in the early stages of psychosis and 500 control participants.
- Global Collaboration: Our partners are key players in the Accelerating Medicines Partnership® Schizophrenia (AMP® SCZ) program, the largest international collaboration working to predict psychosis outcomes and develop new treatments.
- Pioneering Immunotherapy: We are leading groundbreaking research in neuroimmunology through the Psychosis Immune Mechanism Stratified Medicine Study (PIMS), which includes one of only two immunotherapy trials for psychosis worldwide.
- Contributions to Early Psychosis Research: We have made significant contributions to the Early Psychosis Theme 2K Cohort, particularly in participant recruitment and expertise in immunopsychiatry.
- Published Research: Our work has been featured in leading academic journals, including JAMA Psychiatry, marking us as leaders in psychiatric and neuroscience research.
Next Steps
- Expanding the national rollout of the EPICare platform.
- Mapping innovative recruitment pathways, particularly for individuals in an At Risk Mental State (ARMS).
- Conducting proof-of-concept studies in collaboration with precision neuroscience industry partners.
- Enhancing patient and public involvement (PPI/E) representation across research themes, including mood disorders, psychosis, and youth mental health, working with groups like the Institute for Mental Health’s Youth Advisory Group, LEAG group, McPin, and the Young Foundation.
- Growing collaborations with renowned centres of excellence, including the Centre for Human Brain Health and Centre for Developmental Science, as well as national and international partnerships, such as the Orygen Centre of Excellence in Australia.