Experiences of Young People and Parents/Carers in ARMS Services
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Living with an At-Risk Mental State (ARMS): An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of young people's and parents'/carers' experiences within NHS early intervention in psychosis services.
IRAS ID
363179
Contact name
Luke Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 29 days
Research summary
Individuals identified as having an At-Risk Mental State (ARMS) are considered to be at increased risk of developing psychosis. This term describes people who may experience subtle or distressing changes in their thoughts, feelings, or perceptions. For example, noticing their thoughts racing, feeling unusually suspicious, or sensing things that others might not, but who have not developed a full psychotic illness.
Within NHS Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) teams, dedicated ARMS services support people aged 14-35 years, offering psychological and social interventions as part of a preventative care approach to promote well-being and reduce risk. Involving families and carers in the care of individuals with an ARMS has been shown to improve outcomes and contribute to early, preventative intervention. However, little is known about how young people and parents or carers understand and make sense of the ARMS experience itself.
This study aims to explore these experiences in depth, focusing on how young people and parents/ carers understand the ARMS label, make sense of their journey into and through ARMS services, experience the support provided, and how relationships and emotions may shape their experiences and recovery.
Young people aged 18-35 who are currently under the care of an NHS ARMS service in the West Midlands, as well as their parents or carers, will be invited to take part. Participation will involve a one-to-one interview, either in person or online where requested by the participant, lasting approximately one hour.Interviews will be audio recorded and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore how participants describe and interpret their experiences in their own words.
The study is part of a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Birmingham. Findings will be shared with NHS services to help improve support for young people, parents/carers, and promote more person-centered and preventative approaches within ARMS care.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/WM/0109
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion