Reasons for and effects of substance use in psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A comparison of the reasons for, and effects of, alcohol and cannabis use in people who experience psychosis: a Q methodological approach.
IRAS ID
347247
Contact name
Lee Mulligan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 1 days
Research summary
Psychosis is a mental health problem in which people may hear voices or see things that others cannot. They may also think other people are watching them. Up to 50% of this group misuse drugs and alcohol. Drugs and alcohol can have negative effects on mental health. Yet, people also report some positive effects, such as helping them cope with distress.
This study will explore the reasons for and the after-effects of alcohol and cannabis in people with psychosis. It will look at the effects on mental health, relationships, and wellbeing, whilst comparing the reasons for and effects of both drugs. The study will use Q-Methodology which combines elements of qualitative and quantitative methods to measure subjectivity. This method will help to identify which reasons and after-effects are most relevant for this group. People who experience psychosis and use alcohol or cannabis will be asked how much they agree or disagree with statements about the reasons for and the after-effects of using alcohol and cannabis. We will also ask them why these statements are relevant to them. The entire process should take around 90 minutes to complete.
Participants will be current cannabis or alcohol users experiencing symptoms of non-affective psychosis. Participants will already be supported clinically by their NHS General Practitioner or mental health services across Greater Manchester Mental Health or Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust. Assessments will take place at either the participants’ homes or their current NHS service.
The proposed research project will provide utility to service users as it will help to gain an understanding of the reasons why alcohol and cannabis are used by people who experience psychosis and their after-effects. Understanding these is crucial for designing effective and tailored strategies to support substance use and associated harm reduction in this clinical group.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0071
Date of REC Opinion
14 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion