RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

E-Detection Tool for Emerging Mental Disorders

This study is creating a new online tool to help identify young people, aged 12 to 35, who might be showing early signs of psychosis. Psychosis is a serious mental health condition where a person's thoughts and feelings can become confused, leading to unusual experiences and changes in behaviour. Often, it's not detected early enough, which can make things harder in the long run. The tool will involve completing online questionnaires and simple exercises on websites, tablets, or phones. Afterwards, some young people might be invited for face-to-face assessments to confirm if they are experiencing early psychosis. The aim is to find people earlier so they can get the right support sooner.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

3,000

Start

20 Apr 2022

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2025

Psychosis

What is this study about?

This study is about creating a new tool to help identify young people who might be at risk of developing psychosis. Psychosis is a mental health condition that can cause someone to experience things differently from others, such as seeing or hearing things that aren't there, or having unusual beliefs. These experiences can be very distressing and can change how someone behaves. While it usually starts in younger years, it's often not picked up until much later, which can make it harder for people to get the help they need and lead to more difficulties in life.

The researchers are developing an "E-Detection" tool, which is a fancy way of saying an electronic tool, to help find young people aged between 12 and 35, who might be developing early signs of psychosis. This tool will be available online, meaning you could access it through websites, on a tablet, or on your mobile phone.

Taking part would involve filling out an online questionnaire and doing a couple of short online activities. Based on these, some young people might then be invited for an in-person meeting with a specialist. This meeting would help confirm if they are indeed showing early signs of psychosis. The goal is to make it easier and quicker to identify those who need support, ultimately improving their mental health and lives.

Key takeaways

This study is developing an online tool to help detect early signs of psychosis.
It aims to help young people aged 12-35 get support sooner.
Participation involves online questionnaires and exercises.
Some participants may have a face-to-face assessment.
The goal is better mental health outcomes for young people.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged between 12 and 35 years old.

To join, you must be willing to give your informed consent, which means you understand what the study involves and agree to take part. Also, you must not have been previously diagnosed with psychosis.

You cannot take part if you are younger than 12 or older than 35, or if you have already received a diagnosis of psychosis.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 12 and 35 years old?
Have you never been diagnosed with psychosis before?
Are you comfortable using websites or digital devices?
Are you willing to provide consent to participate?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you would first complete an online questionnaire and two short online exercises. These can be done on a website, tablet, or mobile phone at a time that suits you. The researchers will then assess your responses. If your answers suggest you might be showing early signs of psychosis, you would be invited for a face-to-face assessment with a specialist. The study does not involve taking any medication. The total time commitment for the online part is likely short, and the face-to-face assessment would be a single appointment.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part in this study is contributing to the development of a tool that could help many young people get earlier support for emerging mental health conditions, potentially leading to better outcomes. For participants identified as potentially having early signs of psychosis, the face-to-face assessment could lead to earlier access to appropriate care. Potential risks are generally low, as it primarily involves online questionnaires and exercises, and an assessment. Some people might find thinking about mental health challenging or slightly upsetting, but the researchers aim to make the process non-distressing. You are always free to withdraw from the study at any point without needing to give a reason.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Glasgow University
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
King's College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health condition where a person's thoughts and feelings can become confused, and they may experience things differently from others, like seeing or hearing things that aren't there.

Who can take part in this study?

Young people aged between 12 and 35 who have not previously been diagnosed with psychosis can take part.

How will I complete the online part?

You'll use a website, tablet, or mobile phone to fill out a questionnaire and do two short online activities.

What happens after the online part?

If your answers suggest you have early signs of psychosis, you might be invited for a face-to-face assessment with a specialist.

Will I have to take any medication?

No, this study is about identifying early signs and does not involve taking any medication.

How to find out more

Paolo Fuasr Poli, MD PhD

paolo.fusar-poli@kcl.ac.uk +442078480900 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.