£50k funding awarded to three projects to celebrate new Researcher Access Service

Find out more about the successful projects

Antidepressant exposure, response, and resistance in severe mental illness 

The research being undertaken by Dr Matthew Iveson from the University of Edinburgh aims to examine the pattern of antidepressant use within patients living with severe mental illness – including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis and severe depression – identifying changes in treatment that are indicative of response, non-response, and resistance. It will also explore the consequences of these changes.  

Dr Matthew Iveson added, “By utilising Scotland’s leading data infrastructure, linking hospital, prescribing, and death records, we can track antidepressant exposure and response over time. Understanding the patterns and consequences of antidepressant use can improve the lives of those living with severe mental illness by helping to find the right treatment more quickly."

Perinatal suicide and self-harm 

Dr Karen Wetherall of the University of Glasgow will be using the funding in her research on perinatal suicide and self-harm. The study will use data linkage to understand rates and risk factors for suicide deaths and self-harm admissions in women in Scotland during the perinatal period.  

Dr Karen Wetherall said, “In the UK, suicide is the leading cause of death in women during or up to one year after pregnancy. Rates of self-harm admission also appear elevated at 6 – 12 months postpartum.  

“As well as reflecting the mental health risks for women during an often stressful and challenging time, there is evidence that maternal suicidal thoughts and behaviours can impact wellbeing and development of children. Improving understanding in this area is important for preventing suicide in a vulnerable group, and to mitigate potential harm on infants.  

“The study will incorporate a comprehensive collection of risk factors, including demographic, lifestyle, mental health, birth-related experiences and baby-related factors.”

Risk for serious mental illness following Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) attendance 

Professor Ian Kelleher of the University of Edinburgh has brought together a team of researchers to investigate how information on mental health in childhood and adolescence might provide clues about risk of developing severe mental illnesses in adult life. They will investigate whether their recent findings showing a strong connection between child mental health service use and later psychosis in Finland also apply to the UK, using Scotland’s health data. 

Professor Ian Kelleher said, “My team and I are delighted to accept an Accelerator Award as the new Researcher Access Service will enable us to access the data we need quickly. 

“Psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, take a huge toll on society, from the young adult so disabled by hallucinations and delusions that they cannot leave their home, to family members whose lives go on hold while they try to support their unwell loved ones. Improving early intervention for psychosis is a Healthcare Improvement Scotland priority.  

“With the Accelerator Award we will use Scottish healthcare data to understand how certain treatments in childhood and adolescence might be able to reduce the risk of later severe mental illness.”