Role of ADHD in Autistic ADHD individuals with First Episode Psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mixed method exploration of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in co-occurring adult autism and ADHD in First Episode Psychosis
IRAS ID
360356
Contact name
Nikola Nikolic
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 2 months, 1 days
Research summary
We are learning more about how our brains work and why people experience the world in different ways. Some of these differences relate to autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many people are both autistic and have ADHD. These are neurodevelopmental conditions.
Some people with these conditions experience psychosis, which may involve hearing voices or believing things others do not. This can be frightening. It’s often hard to get the right care, because the signs of psychosis and neurodevelopmental conditions can look similar. For example, someone might prefer being alone or have unusual thoughts. These overlaps can lead to delays in diagnosis or the wrong kind of support.
In earlier work, I found that people with autism and/or ADHD who experience psychosis often go into hospital at a younger age and stay longer than others. Some experts believe that ADHD might affect how psychosis develops in people who are both autistic and have ADHD, but we don’t yet know for sure.
In this study, I will explore whether ADHD changes how psychosis affects people who are autistic, have ADHD, or both. The aim is to help health and care teams give better support, so people get the help they need in the way that works best for them.
I will invite people aged 18 and over who have had a first episode of psychosis (FEP). I will recruit people from NHS services at several sites.
People taking part will complete ADHD questionnaires, which usually take around 60 minutes. I will also look at their health records to learn more about their psychosis. Once they finish the questionnaires, they won’t need to do anything else.
The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is funding this study. We will keep all personal information private and use it only for research.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0224
Date of REC Opinion
10 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion