Autism and Psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The clinical and neurobiological overlap between autism and psychosis
IRAS ID
132205
Contact name
Stephen Wood
Contact email
Research summary
The disorders of schizophrenia and autism are currently conceptualised as distinct and separate disease processes. However, there are many similarities in the risk factors for both disorders and the kinds of symptoms with which patients present. No research has investigated these commonalities in a large sample with a first-episode of psychosis. Autism and schizophrenia have also been shown to have similar neurobiological underpinnings, related to social cognition networks, but there is very little research looking at people who have features of both conditions. One hundred young people (aged 16-35) meeting criteria for first-episode psychosis will be invited to take part in this study. They will be assessed with interview and self-report questionnaires on symptoms of psychosis and autism, current functioning, and premorbid functioning. A sub-group (N=30) will undergo brain scanning to acquire both resting state functional imaging data and brain spectroscopy measures (to assess glutathione concentration). Healthy controls (N=30) will be also be recruited for brain scanning. This study is important because it could provide valuable information on the mechanisms underlying both disorders, which has implications for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/WM/0213
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion