STEP - Stratification and Treatment in Early Psychosis

Ground-breaking nature of the project Many of the expected impacts from this proposal are innovative.

It aims to demonstrate that biomarkers can be used to stratify patients in the early phase of psychosis according to clinical outcomes, and that this can improve clinical care by providing a basis for more personalised treatment.

Moreover, these biomarkers include measures acquired by employing novel digital technologies in mobile devices, and the prediction of outcomes will be facilitated by new tools that generate personalised estimates of a given outcome.

The project will also evaluate a new class of treatment for psychosis (Cannabidiol) and assess whether existing treatments are more effective when used in specific subgroups patients that have been identified through stratification. Finally, the project aims to create a global translational research platform for the evaluation of novel treatments.

The long-term impact will include the following domains: - Conceptual shift in approach to assessment in psychosis - Clinical impact of stratification - New classes of treatment and therapeutic targets - Reorganisation of clinical services - Improved care for patients, carers and families - Translation of research - Collaboration with industry - Health economics benefits - Implementation of digital technology in the early phase of psychosis