Take Part
In Our Research

METPSY

Metabolic biomarkers of clinical outcomes in severe mental illness

We are carrying out a research study to better understand whether changes to metabolism are connected to future changes in clinical outcomes in people with severe mental health conditions.

  • Young adults (aged 16 - 25) living in Scotland who have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia

    or

    have no diagnosis of these mental health conditions.

  • Over 12 months total:

    • 3 x in-person visits of 2 hours each in Little France, Edinburgh

      • Questionnaire & Blood Samples

    • 2 x periods of remote assessment lasting 2 weeks each

      • answering mental health questions through an app

      • wearing a wristband that measures your activity

      • wearing a glucose monitoring patch

    • Placing a radar sleep quality monitor in your room for 12 months

      You will be reimbursed for your time and travel expenses

  • For more information or to express interest in taking part, please contact us at metpsy@ed.ac.uk

Full details on what to expect if you take part in the study can be found in the Participant Information Sheets below. If you’d like to take part, please enter your contact details in the form below, and a member of the team will be in touch.

Download Information Sheet for people with Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or Schizophrenia.

Download Information Sheet for people with no history of severe mental health conditions.

Improving Metabolic Health for People with Severe Mental Illness 

There is growing evidence of a two-way connection between metabolic health and mental health. To better understand and address this link we want to hear from you!

People with severe mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis-related disorders, and major depression, often face changes in their metabolic health. These can include elevated blood sugar, weight gain, and imbalances in cholesterol, which can impact long-term physical health and overall wellbeing. In turn, these physical health changes can also affect mental health.

Research shows that enhancing metabolic health can contribute to better mental health outcomes. However, many existing treatments may not fully meet the needs or preferences of people with SMI, highlighting the need for approaches that are more tailored, accessible, and acceptable.

To explore this further, we’ve launched the Metabolic Interventions for People with SMI Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) in collaboration with the James Lind Alliance (JLA). This initiative brings together people with lived experience, carers, healthcare professionals, and researchers to identify the Top 10 priorities for future research into metabolic interventions for people with SMI.

These priorities will help guide research that is meaningful and relevant to those most directly affected, supporting more effective and integrated care for both mental and physical health.

We want to hear from you if you:

  • Have lived experience of SMI.

  • Are a family member, friend or health/social care professional supporting someone with lived experience (doctor, nurse, therapist, dietitian, pharmacist, social worker, etc.).

The survey is open until the 18th May 2025 — please take part and share your thoughts on the research questions that matter most. Scan the QR code below or use this link to complete the survey:

For more information, you can Download the Full Study Protocol.

Together, we can ensure that future research prioritizes the aspects that matter most to people with SMI.