Immune Mechanisms of Antipsychotic Treatment Response
United Kingdom500 participantsStarted 2025-08-06
Plain-language summary
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of the immune system in psychotic symptoms and their response to treatment. The investigators will collect blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples from participants with psychosis symptoms who are about to start or change to a new regular antipsychotic treatment as well as a control group for comparison.
Participants will be assessed at two main timepoints, at visit 1 (Week 0) and at visit 2 (4 +/-2 weeks). For participants with psychosis symptoms visit 1 will take place at the start or change of antipsychotic medication. The studies goal is to identify biomarkers that can aid in diagnosis, prognosis, treatment selection, and tracking treatment response.
The investigators aim to recruit participants from the following groups:
1. Individuals with psychosis symptoms presenting to acute or outpatient services who are due to be started on or change to a new regular antipsychotic medication.
2. Age- and sex-matched control participants without neuropsychiatric disease.
Findings could potentially impact the treatment of psychotic illnesses by offering mechanistic insights into targeted immune-based interventions for these disorders through high-resolution immunophenotyping techniques alongside targeted immunological assays. Ultimately, the research aims to contribute valuable resources for future studies exploring the connection between immune processes and neuropsychiatric conditions.
Who can participate
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.
Inclusion Criteria
Participants with psychosis symptoms:
* Age 18-65
* Currently experiencing psychosis symptoms warranting treatment by secondary care mental health services, as confirmed by a psychiatrist involved in their treatment.
* Psychosis symptoms likely to be attributable to a disorder represented by ICD codes F20-F39, in the opinion of the treating clinical team.
* Due to start or change to a new regular antipsychotic medication. (Participants who are initiating antipsychotic treatment for the first time, transitioning to a different antipsychotic medication, or resuming a formerly prescribed antipsychotic medication that was discontinued for a minimum of two weeks may be recruited.)
Control Participants
* Age 18-65
* No active autoimmune disorder.
* No history of psychosis symptoms.
Exclusion Criteria
Participants with psychosis symptoms:
* Unacceptable risk of harm to participant or study staff due to risk of behavioural disturbance.
* Currently taking or having taken in the last four weeks any medication known to grossly affect the production or function of immune cells (e.g. corticosteroids, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, rituximab or other monoclonal antibody therapies).
* Inability to have blood tests.
Control participants:
* Unacceptable risk of harm to participant or study staff due to risk of behavioural disturbance.
* Currently taking or having taken in the last four weeks any medication known to grossly affect the product…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
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.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.