Researchers in this workstream are investigating whether problems with the immune system and with sleep contribute to causing certain types of mental illness.
For instance, we are studying whether anti-inflammatory medication can improve symptoms of psychosis in young people. We are also working to identify blood-based biomarkers that could help predict how patients will respond to new treatments for depression and psychosis. Finally, we are testing medication that changes sleep patterns. We want to see if it can improve cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Our analysis of large datasets will give us more information on the safety of medications in pregnancy. This is important because pregnant women are typically excluded from clinical trials testing the effectiveness of new medications.
Our researchers are also working on strategies to increase the number of people with neurodevelopmental disorders (such as autism spectrum disorder) taking part in clinical trials. This will allow well-designed trials to take place in this underserved group.
Targeting inflammation to treat psychosis
Theme Mental health
Workstream Biological interventions, trial recruitment and safety
Supporting neurodivergent young people who mask
Theme Mental health
Workstream Psychological interventions
Brainteract
Theme Mental health
Workstream Biological interventions, trial recruitment and safety
Mental health and online activity – exploring training needs
Theme Mental health
Workstream Psychological interventions
Investigating the link between asthma and mental health in children
Themes Mental health Respiratory disease
Workstream Exacerbation prediction and aerosol emissions
Do school PE kit policies impact girls’ body image?
Themes Diet and physical activity Mental health
Workstreams Population diet and physical activity Psychological interventions
Investigating the link between asthma, brain inflammation and MRI changes
Themes Mental health Respiratory disease
Workstream Exacerbation prediction and aerosol emissions
Designing an art and wellbeing programme to help prevent anxiety and depression in schools
Theme Mental health
Workstream Psychological interventions
Using choice architecture to help prevent eating disorders
Theme Mental health
Workstream Psychological interventions
Developing novel virtual reality treatments for eating disorders
Theme Mental health
Workstream Psychological interventions
Using dopamine to treat impaired memory in neurodegenerative disease
Theme Mental health
Workstream Biological interventions, trial recruitment and safety
Psychosis prediction in primary care
Theme Mental health
Workstream Biological interventions, trial recruitment and safety
Identifying biomarkers for treatment response and disease prognosis
Theme Mental health
Workstream Biological interventions, trial recruitment and safety
Adapting trial methods for neurodiverse populations
Theme Mental health
Workstream Biological interventions, trial recruitment and safety
Experimental manipulation of cognitive processes
Theme Mental health
Workstream Psychological interventions
Exploring safe moderation of online suicide and self-harm content
Theme Mental health
Workstream Psychological interventions
Informing a digital intervention for self-harm
Theme Mental health
Workstream Psychological interventions