Psychosis research and preventive psychiatry

Our research aims to improve the lives of individuals with psychosis.

Description of our research

Psychotic symptoms involve a distorted perception of reality, often manifesting as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. These symptoms are found in various psychiatric conditions, but most commonly in primary psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

PET image of a brain showing different areas in blue and light green.

The image shows a PET examination using the radioligand [18F]SynVest-1, which binds to the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in the brain. This method is used to study synapse density in individuals in the early phases of psychotic disorders in the UPC project.

Our research group utilizes state-of-the-art techniques to investigate the biological mechanisms underlying the development of psychosis. One of our flagship projects is the Uppsala Psychosis Cohort, a collaboration between Region Uppsala and Uppsala University. The project is conducted in close collaboration with Uppsala University hospital’s team for early detection and intervention in psychosis, as well as other psychosis care units within the region. We also collaborate with other clinical projects, both nationally and internationally, including the Karolinska Schizophrenia Project in Stockholm and the Psychiatric Biomarker Consortium coordinated by the Broad Institute in the USA.

Our group also leads a newly established European consortium focused on the early detection and prevention of psychosis. This consortium includes seven partners from five European countries and aims to develop and implement innovative digital tools to identify individuals at increased risk of psychotic disorders. These tools include digital strategies to reach individuals in the general population, predictive algorithms for psychosis applied to health record data from primary and specialist care, and a tool to identify individuals at increased risk of life-shortening physical illnesses, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, among those recently diagnosed with psychosis. The project was initiated within the framework of the European network ECNP Prevention of Mental Disorders and Mental Health Promotion.

Read more about ECNP Prevention of Mental Disorders and Mental Health Promotion

Our group also conducts treatment research through the MCT-minus project, led by researcher Linda Swanson. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate metacognitive training to reduce negative symptoms in individuals with psychotic disorders. MCT-minus is a collaboration between Region Sörmland (lead institution), Uppsala University, Region Västmanland, and Region Uppsala.

In summary, our research strives to improve the quality of life for individuals with psychosis through personalized care at early stages and the development of new treatment methods. Our funders include the Swedish Research Council, Vinnova, ERC, the Swedish Brain Foundation, Thuring’s Foundation, the Swedish Society of Medicine, and participating regions.

Read the news article with Professor Simon Cervenka where he talks about cognitive impairment in new-onset psychosis and how this can vary greatly between individuals.

Go to the article

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