Psychosis Studies MPhil/PhD, MD(Res)

The Department of Psychosis Studies is the largest department within the IoPPN, and one of the world’s largest groups conducting research on psychosis. In the last 5 years alone, the pioneering work of our staff has resulted in over 1300 scientific publications, and we currently hold approximately £25 million in research grant income. These achievements and the quality of the research carried out in our department are reflected in the Institute’s achievement of a 100 percent 4* ranking for research environment in the 2014 UK Research Excellence Framework, in which our impact was judged to be 100% ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

Research at the Department of Psychosis Studies in the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience (IoPPN) is world-leading, with both local and global impact. Our staff are recognised globally as innovators of high-quality translational research. Set within the context of the famous Maudsley hospital, we have a rich history of pioneering academics, which endures today. Our staff continue to produce trailblazing research, often challenging accepted thought to explore new approaches, provide new perspectives, and develop new technology to shed light on psychosis.

The research carried out by the Department is focused on the aetiology and mechanisms underlying psychosis, and on the development of new treatments for psychotic disorders. Research studies may involve people with subclinical symptoms, groups at high risk, and patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Research activity is directly integrated with the local clinical services for psychosis in the South London And Maudsley NHS Trust, through the Psychosis Clinical Academic Group (CAG). This unique fusion of the research and clinical infrastructure facilitates implementation of the department’s academic strategy. It ensures that research and teaching reflect current clinical priorities, and that clinical practice is informed by the latest research findings.

A list of recent research publications can be viewed here.

Our research focuses on understanding why individuals experience psychotic symptoms or develop psychotic disorders. Our ultimate aim is to inform the development of new clinical assessments and treatments to benefit the lives of those experiencing psychosis. To achieve this, we harness powerful modern analytical techniques integrating data from neuroimaging, genomics, psychopathology, cognition, epidemiology, and the assessment of peripheral markers. Key to all our research is the integration of biological and psychosocial factors.

The translational nature of our work is further supported by the Psychosis Clinical Academic Group (CAG), within which we are integrated with high quality psychosis services in the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. Such a close collaboration with clinical teams facilitates the involvement of patients in research, and allows rapid translation of research findings into clinical practice. In this way, our work more immediately influences the care of those experiencing psychosis.