The RESTART project.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The RESTART Project: A mixed-method study to examine the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma and resolve barriers to trauma therapy in people with an at risk mental state
IRAS ID
300293
Contact name
Filippo Varese
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
People who have experienced traumatic events (such as bullying, physical abuse, sexual abuse) have an increased chance of developing mental health difficulties, such as, ‘psychosis’. Those who are at high risk of developing psychosis are often called as having an 'at risk mental state' (ARMS). Staff in the NHS already use interviews that can identify people that have an ARMS. However, the treatments to prevent psychosis we can currently offer to these vulnerable people do not always work, possibly because they are not fine-tuned enough to what they really need. If we could treat the psychological consequences of trauma early enough, we might be able to prevent psychosis from occurring and reduce the negative impact that psychosis would have on people’s lives.
This project, funded by the National Institute of Health Research Academy, will include 1) a cohort of ARMS individuals recruited from secondary care NHS services in England and 2) in depth qualitative interviews with ARMS individuals and healthcare professionals who support them, also recruited from the above services.
Firstly, 150 people who have an ARMS will be asked to fill out questionnaires on traumatic life experiences and psychological difficulties commonly linked with these experiences. This information will then be used to better understand how trauma is linked to more severe mental health and day-to-day difficulties in this group, and which therapies could be most helpful.
Secondly, between 12-20 healthcare professionals and between 12-20 people with an ARMS will be interviewed to gain a more in depth understanding of how we can adapt existing therapies for trauma to fit people’s needs.
Ultimately, the findings of the project will inform the design of a future clinical trial to evaluate the safety, acceptability and feasibility of psychological therapies for trauma in this client group.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
21/ES/0088
Date of REC Opinion
20 Sep 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion