Mental Health Studies

Brief summary

Here at Southern Health we are pioneers in using the latest technology to better patient outcomes and improve the quality of care we as a service provide.

As such, we welcome you to our Virtual Reality Lab!

Virtual Reality (VR) can be used to place users into realistic and immersive environments and therefore provides the opportunity for staff to safely experience training in reducing restrictive practices. This advancing technology allows learners to obtain the knowledge and understanding necessary to perform a number of tasks and procedures involving the human body, without ever having to practice on a live patient.

The Virtual Reality tools still provide the hands-on experience required to acquire a familiarity and comfort in performing procedures, but in a safe and controlled setting. Therefore, as learners make mistakes, they can be thoroughly corrected in real-time and without risk. As Virtual Reality modules still require interaction, skills are able to become second nature before they are applied in real world scenarios.

We have several exciting projects being set up to further explore the use of virtual reality within our trust, in part thanks to our novel, home-grown research project dubbed ‘TREE’ [insert link], which we were nominated as a finalist for the HSJ Digital Awards 2023.

Our virtual lab has links with local institutions such as the University of Southampton and nationally recognised leaders in training of staff, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. We have Virtual Reality Champions dotted throughout the trust, so please do look out for them on your travel!

If you want to know more, or have a project in mind that uses virtual reality technology, please contact:

Joe Salmon

Email: joe.salmon@southernhealth.nhs.uk

Tel: 02380 475943

Full Title

Antidepressant for the prevention of DEPression following first episode Psychosis trial

Brief summary

The main objective is to establish if, compared with placebo, the addition of sertraline to continuing antipsychotic medication following FEP reduces the likelihood of developing depression over a 6 month intervention period. We will also investigate whether this intervention reduces the likelihood of developing anxiety or suicidal behaviour, reduces the risk of psychotic relapse, and improves the level of functional recovery achieved. 

What is involved?

Multi-centre randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of sertraline 50 mg once a day for 6 months. Following the 6-month primary outcome assessment, all participants and their research team will be unblinded and treatment as usual continues. Those participants recruited within the first 24 months of recruitment will undergo an additional 12-month follow-up visit (unblinded and observational)

Interested?

To take part you must meet the following criteria:

• Diagnosis of first-episode psychosis (FEP)

• Within 12 months of initial treatment for FEP (as defined by onset of care provision by an Early Intervention Team)

• Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) individual positive item scores all ≤4

• Sufficiently recovered from acute psychotic episode with capacity to consent

• Males and females aged 18-65 years

• Currently prescribed antipsychotic medication at a stable dose

• Female participants must be willing to use one form of highly effective contraception

NOTE: (don’t have to write anything here, previously people have written “You cannot take part if you are pregnant, vegetarian/vegan or do not meet the above criteria.”)

If you would like to take part or want more information please contact the study lead:

Study Contact: Joe Salmon

Email: joe.salmon@southernhealth.nhs.uk

Tel: 02380 475943

The COSI study: a multi-site randomised controlled trial (RCT) to explore the clinical and cost effectiveness of the Circle of Security Intervention for mothers in perinatal mental health services.

Brief summary

The aim of the research is to conduct a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) to test whether the Circle of Security-Parenting Programme (COS-P), a brief group therapy intervention, will reduce maternal mental health symptoms in mothers accessing specialist NHS community perinatal mental health services (PMHS) compared to treatment as usual (TAU). We will also explore whether the intervention improves emotion regulation difficulties, maternal sensitivity, mother-infant bonding, attachment security, social support, and has an impact on infant development. Additionally, the project aims to examine whether the intervention is acceptable to participants and NHS staff, whether it is cost-effective or not, and whether there is value of information associated with the trial results.

What is involved?

The study will be a multi-centre, individually randomised controlled trial, in which outcome assessors will be blind to intervention allocation and women are randomised to either:

1. COS-P plus TAU in a PMHS – the ‘intervention’ delivered in groups size 4-6.

2. TAU in a PMHS – the ‘control’. Treatment in a PMHS is defined by a national service specification

Interested?

To take part you must meet the following criteria:

Inclusion criteria for the study are women or birthing parents who:

1. Are accessing a community PMHS from one of the recruiting sites.

2. Have a child aged 0-12 months with no severe illness or developmental disorder.

3. Score 1.1 or more as their average score on the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-10 (CORE-10) [2].

4. Score 12 or more on the Postnatal Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) [3].

5. Are aged at least 18 and are willing and able to give informed consent.

6. Are able to attend groups without being under the influence of substances.

If you would like to take part or want more information please contact the study lead:

Study Contact: Joe Salmon 

Tel: 02380 475943

Email: research@southernhealth.nhs.uk

Full Title: What people think about doing physical activity: a questionnaire study

Brief summary

What people think about doing physical activity is a questionnaire study, by a group of psychologist from the University of Oxford. They are looking to understand the way people think about physical activities. They are trying to develop questionnaires to measure thoughts about physical activity and to understand how these thoughts affect their behaviour.

This study they are seeking participants in adult secondary mental health services within the NHS who have a diagnosis of non-affective psychosis.

What is involved?

Online or Paper Questionnaire - There are 2 questionnaire pack. Pack 1 relating to thoughts about exercise and Pack to relating to thoughts about sitting. We are using pack 2 to start with then after 3 months we can get the pack 1 and recruit same patient those who completed pack 2

There is a follow up questionnaire for first 100 participant for both packs.

Participants will be reimbursed £10 for completion of each questionnaire pack

Exclusion criteria

Insufficient English language to understand and completed questionnaires.

Interested?

To take part you must meet the following criteria:

• Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.
• Any gender, aged 16 years or above.
• Diagnosed with non-affective psychosis (i.e. schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, psychosis not otherwise specified) and/or affective psychosis (i.e. bipolar disorder).
• Currently attending NHS adult secondary mental health services.

If you would like to take part or want more information please contact the study lead:

Study Contact: Soni Kochuvilayil / Jemma Austin

Email: research@southernhealth.nhs.uk, soni.kochuvilayil@southernhealth.nhs.uk, Jemma.Austin@southernhealth.nhs.uk

Tel: 02380 475943

This study tests a mobile app therapy for paranoia called STOP.

STOP is a self-managed treatment that has been developed by combining research on biases in paranoia with tried and tested techniques that can change these biases.

Inclusion

• With distressing paranoid thoughts for the last month, or longer.
• Over the age of 18.
• Able to read, write and speak English.
• With no changes in the last 3 months to any medication you might take for mental health problems.
• Not currently taking part in any other interventional research study.

Exclusion

• Receiving similar psychological intervention.
• Major physical illness.
• Major substance or alcohol misuse
• Illiteracy
• Planning to, or currently taking part in another interventional research study
• Severe cognitive impairment
• Experiencing ‘extreme’ paranoia
• At high risk of suicide

If you would like any further information or to talk to someone regarding this study.  Please contact Joe Salmon, Research Nurse by email: research@southernhealth.nhs.uk

Cognitive impairments are a core feature of schizophrenia and a major determinant of poor functional outcome. Antipsychotics are the primary medication for schizophrenia, with major effects on the reduction of ‘psychotic’ symptoms but no beneficial effects on cognition. The objectives of this trial is to assess the efficacy in improving cognitive impairment and daily functioning, as well as to assess safety of 26-week treatment of once daily oral treatment with BI 425809 10mg. Also, to assess the efficacy in improving neurocognition, problem solving, performance-based functional capacity and patients’ experience of cognitive impairment.

Inclusion criteria:

• Male or female patients who are 18-50 years
• Diagnosis of schizophrenia
  • Outpatient
  • No hospitalization within 3 months
• Functional impairment e.g. following conversation, staying focused
• Maintained on antipsychotics on current dose (clozapine not allowed)

Download the CONNEX 3 flyer for more information.

Get involvedIf you meet the inclusion criteria you can refer yourself directly using the details below. Clinicians can also refer a patient to the study and can do so via the same route.  Email: research@southernhealth.nhs.ukCall: 02380 475823

Full Title

Recovery Colleges Characterisation and Testing 2 (RECOLLECT 2): Exploring the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Recovery Colleges.

Brief summary

The aim of RECOLLECT 2 is to develop the evidence base for Recovery Colleges in England and understand how they can provide the most benefit to people who use mental health services. Findings will help refine the previously developed RECOLLECT change model. The aim will be addressed through three Studies; as a Trust we are focusing on Study 1 and Study 2.

Study 1 Will explore the impact of Recovery Colleges on student outcomes at 4, 8 and 12 months after registering and explore how fidelity of a Recovery College impacts these outcomes. Study 2 will explore the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Recovery Colleges using a prospective controlled cohort design.

What is involved?

You will be asked to complete a set of questionnaires at 4 time-points.

• Once when you agree to participate in RECOLLECT
• At 4 months 
• At 8 months
• At 12 months

You will be compensated with a £15 voucher at each timepoint for every set of questionnaires you complete.

Interested?

To take part you must meet the following criteria:

1. Aged 18 or over.
2. Capacity to give informed consent.
3. Currently using or discharged within the last 12 months from the local secondary or tertiary NHS mental health service
4. Newly enrolled at The Recovery College.  Having attended no more than one introductory Recovery College course or workshop

If you would like to take part or want more information please click on the link below to send an expression of interest to the research team.

https://kings.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/expression-of-interest-form

Study Contact: Jemma Austin

Email: research@southernhealth.nhs.uk  

           Jemma.Austin@southernhealth.nhs.uk

Tel: 02380 475943 / 07917 262020

African and Caribbean people in the UK are more likely than any other ethnic group to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychoses. However, their experience of mental health services is often poor and they have worse outcomes.  

Culturally-adapted Family Intervention (CaFI) is a multisite research trial in England funded by the National Institute of Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme (NIHR-HTA). The trial compares treatment as usual to Culturally-adapted Family Intervention delivered in 10 sessions.

Whats Involved

• Have you been diagnosed with schizophrenia and/or psychosis?
• Are you a service user of Sub-Saharan African, Caribbean, Black British, or Mixed heritage?
• We are looking for volunteers to help us test our new “talking therapy” called CaFI (Culturally-adapted Family Intervention) for a research study

Interested?

We are looking for:

• People of Sub-Saharan African and Caribbean descent, including those who self-identify as ‘Black British’, ‘Black Caribbean’, ‘Black African’, ‘African-Caribbean’ or ‘Mixed’ African/Caribbean
• At least one parent/ grandparent born in a Sub-Saharan African/ Caribbean country
• Diagnosis of schizophrenia or related psychoses (ICD F20-29/ DSM-V) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; World Health Organization, 1992)
• Receiving treatment via psychiatric inpatient services (acute or rehabilitation), forensic or within community services within a participating NHS Trust
• 14 years or older in keeping with the age groups served by Early Intervention Services and adult services
• Ideally have a family member or friend that can take part alongside, but an allocated family support member can be provided

Exclusion criteria

• Organic brain disorder
• Cognitive impairment sufficient to impact completion of assessment measures
• Substance use as primary diagnosis.
• Currently receiving any form of family intervention

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health disorders worldwide. In the UK, 1 in 3 people will experience symptoms during their lifetime. The GLAD Study aims to better understand depression and anxiety in order to find effective treatments and improve the lives of people experiencing these disorders.

Whats involved:

There are 4 simple steps to signing up to the GLAD Study:

1. Register via the website and read the information sheet
2. Provide consent
3. Complete a ~30 minute questionnaire to see if you are eligible
4. Send a saliva DNA sample through the post (IF YOU CURRENTLY FEEL UNWELL PLEASE WAIT TWO WEEKS TO SEND YOUR SALIVA SAMPLE)

Please note: During the questionnaire you will be asked “Did you hear about the GLAD Study through any NHS Trust, GP, talking therapy service, or any other healthcare provider?”. Please select “Yes”.

You will then be asked “Please select which NHS Trust, GP, talking therapy service, or other healthcare provider you heard about the GLAD Study through?”. Please select “Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust”.

You can access the GLAD website here.

PPiP2: Prevalence of Pathogenic Antibodies in Psychosis

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of antibodies against neuronal cell surface targets in patients with psychotic symptoms. This is done by taking a blood sample and analysing it for the presence of these antibodies.

What is involved?

There is a short questionnaire and some blood will be collected. Participants will be given £10 for their time.

Interested?

To take part you must:

• Be aged between 18-70.
• Have acute psychosis symptoms: lasting for at least the past two weeks but    no longer than two years.
• Patients can have a total history of psychosis longer than 2 years, as long as there has been a period of at least six months of remission prior to the current episode. The current episode should be less than 2 years long.

NOTE: You cannot take part if any of the following apply:

• Any other neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, hydrocephalus, traumatic brain injury, meningo-encephalitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, CNS vasculitis.
• Primary drug induced psychosis
• Pregnancy.

Full Title:

Mental Health Wellbeing at University: Student Survey exploring mental health wellbeing and access to support in UK Universities

Brief summary:

A research study exploring undergraduates and postgraduate students wellbeing and reasons behind mental health difficulties, access to support services and their experiences of these services. We are also interested to find out whether these experiences are related to loneliness and perceived social support. It is hoped that this information may allow for a greater understanding of difficulties experienced and any protective factors that may help people to cope with the stresses of University study to inform targeted approaches for supporting students in the future.

What is involved?

If you decide to take part in the study, you will be asked to complete a consent form and the online survey questionnaire that will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. The questionnaire will ask about demographic information such as age, gender, level of education etc.; wellbeing, access to support, loneliness and perceived support, any experiences of mental health difficulties you may have had in the past or currently, You do not need to have any of the problems listed above to complete the questionnaires, as we want a wide range of students to take part. You will also have the option to enter for a prize draw to win one of ten, twenty pound (£20) Amazon gift vouchers. 

Interested?

To take part you must meet the following criteria:

• All students enrolled at University in undergraduates years 1 – 6 and postgraduates students

• Full-time students, part-time and distance learning postgraduate taught students are eligible (including but not limited to MA, MSc, PGCE, PGCert, PGDip courses, or credits at PGT level)

For further information please contact research@southernhealth.nhs.uk

Full Title

National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health

Brief summary

The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH) is an internationally unique project.

This study has collected in-depth information on all suicides in the UK since 1996. The recommendations have improved patient safety in mental health settings and reduced patient suicide rates, contributing to an overall reduction in suicide in the UK. The evidence is cited in national policies and clinical guidance and regulation in all UK countries.

What is involved?

Consultant Psychiatrists or Responsible Clinicians’ within Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust may be contacted to provide detailed clinical information on patients of mental health services who die by suicide, or commit homicide. All data collected will be anonymous.
 

Interested?

To take part you must meet the following criteria:

Study Contact: NCISH | The University of Manchester

Full Title

REalist Synthesis Of non-pharmacologicaL interVEntions for antipsychotic-induced weight gain (RESOLVE) in people living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI)

Brief summary

This study aims to use realist synthesis, including primary data collection, to develop a framework and guidance for non-pharmacological interventions to manage antipsychotic-induced weight gain in people with severe mental illness (SMI).

What is involved?

Interviews will be conducted either face-to-face in a convenient location for participants, or if required for example due to COVID restrictions or convenience for participants, using video-conferencing e.g. MS Teams.

Interested?

To take part you must meet the following criteria:

Service Users

Inclusion criteria

People living with SMI (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and all other non-organic psychoses)

Currently taking or have previously taken antipsychotics (British National Formulary [BNF] 18, Chapter 4; section 3.6).

Experience of weight gain associated with antipsychotics or related issues

Aged 18 plus

Exclusion criteria

Lacks capacity to consent

People without SMI

Children < 18 years old

Informal (Family) Carers

Inclusion

Supporting people with SMI currently taking or previously taken antipsychotics who have experienced weight gain associated with antipsychotics or related issues.

Main family carer.

Exclusion

Lacks capacity to consent

Children < 18 years old

No experience of supporting people with SMI currently taking or previously taken antipsychotics who have experienced weight gain associated with antipsychotics or related issues.

Clinicians/Practitioners

Inclusion

Supporting people with SMI currently taking or previously taken antipsychotics who have experienced weight gain associated with antipsychotics or related issues.

Exclusion

No experience of supporting people with SMI currently taking or previously taken antipsychotics who have experienced weight gain associated with antipsychotics or related issues.

NOTE: (don’t have to write anything here, previously people have written “You cannot take part if you are pregnant, vegetarian/vegan or do not meet the above criteria.”)

If you would like to take part or want more information please contact the study lead:

Study Contact: Joe Salmon

Email: Research@southernhealth.nhs.uk

Tel: 02380 475943

A Virtual Reality Feasibility Study To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of using a virtual reality platform for providing a reduction in restrictive practice (RRP) training programme to inpatient mental health staff, compared to standard face-to-face RRP and/e-learning training/.

Inclusion criteria: ≥18 years. There is no upper age limit. SHFT employee including NHS Professionals. Clinical staff working in acute inpatient psychiatric wards. Mandatory training on restrictive practices as part of the job role. Willing and able to use VR devices. Ability to give informed consent. Ability to speak and read English fluently.

Exclusion criteria: <18 years. Non-SHFT employee. SHFT staff not required to complete restrictive practices training. Previous experience on the Virti VR Platform. Not willing or unable to give informed consent. Previous experience of cybersickness. History of epileptic episode (diagnosed or suspected).

This study aims to explore the family roles of individuals who have a brother or sister (siblings), and how individuals seek help and cope with difficulties. We hope to better understand the needs of individuals who have a sibling with an Eating Disorder or a different mental health condition, and those who have a sibling with no eating disorder or mental health condition. We hope to do thisthrough exploring siblings experiences of their role within the family, how they cope with difficulties and their attitudes and intentions to seeking help. This research could potentially help professionals to identify individuals who might not seek help but are in need of psychological support.

What is involved?

The study involves completing a set of online questionnaires. These will take approximately 20-30minutes and will ask questions about the way you cope with difficulties, your well-being, how youseek help, your thoughts around seeking help and the roles you take within the family.

Interested?

We are looking for people who:

• Have a brother or sister
• Are aged between 16-25
• Are a UK resident and living in the family home or where the family home is your mainresidence (e.g. you are at university of boarding school during term time)

How can someone take part?If you would like to take part or would like to find out more, you can use this direct link to read more and complete the study questionnaires: https://sotonpsychology.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aVFACB4qD8rmyvY

Study Lead: Philippa Balfour Trainee Clinical Psychologist

University of Southampton Pb2g11@soton.ac.uk