KingsCollegeLondon.jpgMindfulness for Paranoia (M4P)

now closed to recruitment

Our project is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining whether mindfulness delivered in a group format is helpful for people with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder who are experiencing current paranoia. The aim is to determine whether the therapy group reduces depression and distress, improves psychological health and results in greater progress towards recovery.

This research is NIHR funded, has full research ethical approval and is Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s first study as a sponsor.

What is the study about?

Psychological interventions that use mindfulness therapy are being used to help people who experience mental health problems. Our research team have adapted mindfulness therapy for people who hear distressing voices and have developed a mindfulness-based group therapy. This therapy has been found to be beneficial as voice hearers reported reduced distress, and improved psychological health. However, very little research has been done to examine whether mindfulness-based therapies are helpful for people who experience persecutory delusions.

Who should I refer?

Individuals who:

  • Have a Schizophrenia spectrum disorder, and are experiencing current paranoia
  • Have no plans for changes to psychiatric medication during the course of the study
  • Not currently receiving a formal course of psychological therapy
  • Are aged over 18 years of age
  • Are able to provide informed consent to take part.

Individuals will be unable to take part if they:

  • Individuals who do not have an identified organic cause for their symptoms
  • Diagnosis of a learning disability
  • Individuals with a significant risk of violence to others.

What is involved?

Participants will be randomised into receiving the mindfulness-based therapy plus treatment as usual or treatment as usual.

The Research Team

  • Chief Investigator: Dr Paul Chadwick
  • Principal Investigator for SABP: Dr Christos Kouimtsidis
  • Sub-investigator for SABP: Dr Laura Vivarelli
  • Research Assistant: Eryna Tarant
  • Royal Holloway, University of London: Dr Lyn Ellett, Dr Jessica Kingston
  • University of Surrey: Dr Jeewaka Mendis

How can I help?

The project is now closed for recruitment. Thank you for all your interest and support

If you have any clients who are interested in taking part or would like some more information please contact Eryna Tarant, Research Assistant, on 019327 222 47 or Eryna.Tarant@sabp.nhs.uk . Alternatively you can contact the Chief Investigator for the study,  Dr Paul Chadwick, paul.chadwick@kcl.ac.uk .