Project details

Summary

What is the study about?

First-episode psychosis (FEP) is when a patient experiences psychotic symptoms (for example hallucinations and delusions) for the first time. Standard NHS care helps to treat psychotic symptoms, but young people may still struggle to return to previous social and work roles. We think this may be related to depression experienced after FEP.

You can read more and a watch a video about the study here. 

What are you trying to find out?

This study aims to find out whether an antidepressant medication (sertraline) can reduce the risk of depression happening at all after FEP, and whether preventing depression can improve recovery.

It is important that any new way of managing FEP is effective and evaluated. Prescribing sertraline to patients with FEP is not common in the NHS. This is a trial to see if taking sertraline for the first 6 months as a preventative measure can reduce the chances of depression. This can only be tested as part of a trial where some people get sertraline and some do not, and results are compared.

What does taking part involve?

1. The research team will assess whether you are eligible to take part (screening).
2. You are only included in screening and the main study if you formally agree to take part (give “informed consent”). 
3. After consent, you will be asked some questions about you, your health and your medical history.
4. If eligible, you are then randomly allocated to one of two groups. There is a 50:50 chance (like tossing a coin) that you may or may not get sertraline.
5. We will visit you monthly for 6 months and then once at 12 months to ask you how you have been, plus a blood sample taken at 1 month only. If necessary these visits may be done by phone or video call.

Who is it for?

We are looking for people that are: 

• Currently receiving support from an early intervention in psychosis team
• Aged between 18 and 65
• Not currently taking anti-depressant medication 

This study will recruit 508 patients from Early Intervention in Psychosis Services (EIP) in England and Wales.

Why is it important? 

This study will help us to find out if sertraline helps patients by preventing depression. Whilst there may be no immediate benefits to you, the aim is to improve the longer-term care for people with psychosis.

How can I find out more?

You can find out more information about taking part in this study by downloading the key documents at the top of this page. You can also visit the project website here. 

If you are interested in taking part in this study, or have questions for the research team, click the button below to email the research team:

Email the research team