Psychosis is a mental health problem that causes people to perceive or interpret things differently from those around them, often involving hallucinations or delusions. Psychosis and schizophrenia are common disorders which predominantly affect younger adults. Recently, the investigators discovered that 5-10% of people with psychosis have antibodies in the blood that are capable of targeting the surface of brain cells, specific to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor or voltage gated potassium channel complex, which the investigators believe may be causing the problem. Those positive for antibodies may have a problem with their immune system and this may prevent their brain from working normally. This trial aims to test the feasibility of removing or reducing the antibodies in patients' blood, using immunotherapy, and see if this improves symptoms of psychosis. Immunotherapy in this feasibility study will involve giving all patients steroid tablets and half of them will also receive a drug called "intravenous immunoglobulin" whereas the other half will have a procedure called "plasma exchange". The feasibility study is designed to identify which method of immunotherapy is most suitable for use in this patient population. Results from this will inform on the methodology used for a proposed larger randomised control trial.
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Percentage of patients who start on allocated care pathway within 2 weeks of randomisation.
Timeframe: 2 weeks