ASDP - Autism Spectrum Disorder and Psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Autism Spectrum Disorder – Psychosis (ASDP). Are treatment regimes and outcomes different for adult psychosis patients who are also autistic? A mixed methods approach.
IRAS ID
351484
Contact name
Karen Collier
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
CWPT
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to gain a preliminary understanding of current treatment regimes and outcomes when treating psychosis in an autistic population in comparison to their neurotypical counterparts. This is early exploratory work focused on understanding current patterns to inform future research targets.
Current research suggests that autistic people experience psychosis differently and have different treatment outcomes to their neurotypical counterparts. This is a complex patient group and at present there is little evidence to guide treatment choices and improve outcomes. Identifying optimal treatment options for this group longer term will reduce the cost associated with prolonged illness periods, multiple treatment failures and preventable inpatient admissions.
This Autism Spectrum Disorder and Psychosis (ASDP) study aims to gather exploratory data to understand current practice areas of success and challenge which can support and better target later larger clinical studies. This is a mixed methods study. The quantitative element (ASDP1) is a retrospective patient data analysis study. This will allow for analysis of existing patient data on psychosis treatments provided and their outcomes and allow for preliminary comparison between autistic and neurotypical groups. This is supported by the qualitative study (ASDP2) which uses focus groups and thematic analysis to analyse clinician expertise and experience. This aims to add depth of detail regarding treatment choices, success, failure and challenges in the treatment of the autistic group who experience psychosis.
Collectively data from patient and clinician sources combined will provide an understanding of current treatment choices, success and failure comparing autistic and neurotypical groups. This grounding work will support later larger project and funding applications.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0013
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion