The Pathways Project
Research type
Research Study
Full title
From attachment to psychopathology: Affective dysregulation and neurodevelopmental disorder in young people at-risk of severe and enduring mental illness
IRAS ID
207465
Contact name
Ruchika Gajwani
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Adverse childhood experiences and attachment dysfunction are associated with the development of psychiatric disorders in young adults, specifically first episode psychosis and borderline personality disorder, yet evidence for the mechanisms that contribute to these diverse outcomes is limited. The identification of adolescents at high risk of severe and enduring mental illness is therefore challenging, making early intervention difficult. Recent evidence suggests that neurodevelopmental disorders may be an important but previously under-researched risk factor.
The aim of the study is two fold: firstly, to conduct a feasibility study investigating the nature of any symptomatic overlap between two at-risk groups (at-risk of psychosis and emerging borderline personality disorder). Secondly, to establish the prevalence of affective dysregulation, neurodevelopmental disorders and early risk factors (attachment difficulties and childhood adversity) in these groups.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
16/WS/0133
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion