

Improving Brain Health – the future in mind
NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre
£35.4m to transform mental and brain health care across the UK – and the world
Theme/Lead:
Innovative treatments and transformative therapies in brain health are on the horizon thanks to a £35.4 million award to the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre. The award is part of a package of funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for Biomedical Research Centres (BRC). The Oxford Health BRC is successful in securing funding for 11 themes of research.
2022 Therapist-assisted internet-delivered cognitive therapy for social anxiety disorder shown to be highly efficacious in adults and adolescents
Theme/Lead: Precision Psychological Therapies
Clark’s team who developed the treatment with support from the Wellcome Trust and Oxford Health BRC published three randomised controlled trials showing that the treatment leads to very large improvement and achieves the same outcomes as face-to-face cognitive therapy, which is recommended by NICE as the first-line intervention for social anxiety disorder. The clinical benefit per hour of therapist time was twice as large for the internet-delivered treatment compared to face-to-face therapy.

Breakthrough success in provision of automated psychological therapy using virtual reality
Theme/Lead:
Results from the gameChange study published in The Lancet Psychiatry have shown that psychological therapy can be automated in virtual reality. The study, led by Professor Daniel Freeman, is the largest ever clinical trial of VR for mental health. With the user guided by a virtual coach there is no need for a real life therapist, meaning treatment can reach many more patients.
New funding for Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility
Theme/Lead:
The Oxford Health Clinical Research Facility (OH CRF) has been awarded more than £4 million over the next five years by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The OH CRF is one of 28 facilities across England to benefit from nearly £161 million that has been awarded to expand early phase clinical research delivery in NHS hospitals.

Diversity in Research Group
Theme/Lead:
The Oxford and Oxford Health BRCs Diversity in Research Group met in person for the first time to celebrate the important contributions from the group to health research throughout the pandemic. The event provided an opportunity for members to meet each other, staff and to celebrate the group’s contributions.

Preliminary findings show ‘count me in’ is making research more inclusive at Oxford Health
Theme/Lead:
‘Count me in’ was launched in August 2021 after Oxford Health BRC studies showed that asking clinical staff to collect research contact consent was resulting in a low uptake from patients, and that both staff and patients favoured an approach that allowed all patients to be contacted about relevant research unless they had opted out. Preliminary findings published in a letter published in the journal Evidence Based Mental Health showed the project is having a positive effect on research recruitment.

Oxfordshire young people involved in childline research project
Theme/Lead: Ilina Singh
Research conducted by the Neuroscience, Ethics and Society group, NeurOX Young People’s Advisory Group, Oxford Health BRC and the NSPCC, has looked at how Childline’s message boards help support young people. The research found that using the Childline message boards could reduce young people’s emotional distress and increase their willingness to seek outside help.

Over a third of COVID patients diagnosed with one long covid symptom
Theme/Lead: Paul Harrison
An Oxford Health BRC study showed that 37% of people had at least one long-COVID symptom diagnosed in the 3-6 month period after COVID-19 infection, with the commonest symptoms being breathing problems, abdominal symptoms, fatigue, pain and anxiety/depression. The Study investigated long-COVID in over 270,000 people recovering from COVID-19 infection, using data from the US-based TriNetX electronic health record network

AIMday launches new experimental medicine industry hub
Theme/Lead: Cath Harmer
Researchers at Oxford Health BRC created a new hub to foster collaboration with industry in the field of experimental medicine, helping to accelerate the rate at which new treatments can begin to benefit patients. The Experimental Medicine Industry Partnership (EMIP) was launched at an online Academic Industry Meeting Day (AIMday) in July 2021. The event was captured in a series of mini blogs authored by early career researchers who attended the event.

Mentoring young scientists at Oxford Health BRC
Theme/Lead: Cath Harmer
Oxford Health BRC took part in the In2Science programme. This is a scheme that gives young people from a range of backgrounds the opportunity to spend time with and learn from people working in research and to find out more about a career in science. Dr Jessica Scaife, a postdoctoral researcher at the Oxford Health BRC, mentored 3 young people as part of the programme.

Abu Dhabi - Oxford Psychiatry Collaboration
Theme/Lead:
This Abu Dhabi – Oxford Psychiatry partnership has been established to create a cross-regional collaboration model for translational research and digital innovation in mental health. The partnership has been formalised between four signatories: Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KU), Akrivia Health and the University of Oxford.

Professor Catherine Harmer on BBC Radio 4 podcast
Theme/Lead:
Professor Catherine Harmer appeared on the BBC Radio 4 podcast ‘Made of Stronger Stuff’ challenging misconceptions about depression and providing up-to-date information on what serotonin does in the brain.

Involving young people with research
Theme/Lead: Ilina Singh
Throughout the pandemic the Oxford Health BRC PPI team have focussed on involving young people with our research, ensuring that their views and priorities have continued to be recognised. Working with the NEUROSEC/NeurOX Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG) of more than 30 young people aged 14-18, there has been particular emphasis on digital approaches which has helped make involvement opportunities more inclusive.

COVID-19 survivors at risk of neurological and psychiatric disorders
Theme/Lead: Paul Harrison
An Oxford Health BRC study showed 1 in 3 survivors of COVID-19 received a neurological or psychiatric diagnosis within 6 months. The risk was greater in people who had severe COVID-19, but 1 in 9 patients not requiring hospitalization, also received a diagnosis.

Blood clotting risk higher for COVID-19 than for vaccines
Theme/Lead: Paul Harrison
An Oxford Health BRC study reported that the risk of the rare blood clotting known as cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) following COVID-19 infection is around 100 times greater than normal, several times higher than it is post-vaccination or following influenza.

Transatlantic mental health partnership
Theme/Lead: Andrea Cipriani
A transatlantic partnership between Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Oxford, the University of Toronto and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto was formalised to enhance existing relationships between the universities and the two healthcare providers. The partnership will enable the development of key structures to facilitate collaboration and help realise the benefits of the complementary capabilities of the participating organisations.

BMJ blog: vaccine priority
Theme/Lead: Andrea Cipriani
A blog in thebmjopinion by mental health clinicians and researchers at Oxford Health BRC discussed COVID-19 vaccinations and where people with mental health difficulties lie within the order of priority.

A third of UK population vaccine hesitant
Theme/Lead: Dan Freeman
A comprehensive study of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy showed a majority willing to be vaccinated but a substantial minority concerned. Oxford Health BRC Researchers surveyed a representative group of 5,114 UK adults about an approved COVID-19 vaccine for the NHS. Results indicated that 72% were willing to be vaccinated, 16% were very unsure, and 12% were strongly hesitant.

Opt-out approach to research benefits patients and staff
Theme/Lead:
A study undertaken by an interdisciplinary team at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and the Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, showed that an ‘opt-out’ approach to research recruitment could benefit both clinical research and patient care.

Link between COVID-19 and psychiatric diagnosis
Theme/Lead: Paul Harrison
Researchers from Oxford Health BRC reported the first large-scale evidence that COVID-19 survivors are at an increased risk of psychiatric disorders. The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, used the TriNetX electronic health records of 69 million people in the USA including over 62,000 cases of COVID-19 and received widespread international media coverage.

Brain Health Centre opens
Theme/Lead: Clare Mackay
The Oxford Brain Health Centre (BHC) opened its doors to patients for the first time in the midst of the pandemic. Developed with the involvement of members of the public with lived experience of memory problems, the centre is a combined clinical and research service. By embedding research in the NHS service, the Centre aims to help prepare the health system for the future of dementia treatment and prevention. This innovative and ambitious approach could become a model that can be adopted throughout the NHS.
PHOSP-COVID
Theme/Lead: John Geddes / Paul Harrison
Oxford Health BRC investigators took a lead role in PHOSP-COVID – a major UK research study which will investigate the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 on hospitalised patients. The Oxford Health team have provided expertise in mental health and neurological problems following COVID-19 infection.

SHAPE - Supporting Hospital and Paramedic Employees during and after COVID
Theme/Lead: Jen Wild
The SHAPE programme for healthcare workers was launched to support hospital and paramedic employees during and after COVID. The programme has provided support to 200 healthcare workers to date.
Evidence based guidance for mental health during the pandemic
Theme/Lead: Andrea Cipriani
Researchers from the Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab responded to COVID-19 by creating vital evidence-based guidance for patients and clinicians managing mental health conditions during the pandemic. Frequently updated, this guidance summarises the best available clinical guidelines about key COVID-19 questions that are faced by frontline mental health professionals every day.
Conspiracy theories and mistrust of government
Theme/Lead: Dan Freeman
A study funded by Oxford Health BRC and published in the journal Psychological Medicine, indicated that a disconcertingly high number of adults in England did not agree with the scientific and governmental consensus on the the coronavirus pandemic and that people who hold coronavirus conspiracy beliefs are less likely to comply with social distancing guidelines or take-up future vaccines.

New guidance and resources to help patients cope with trauma after intensive care
Theme/Lead: Precision Psychological Therapies
Oxford mental health researchers published new guidelines and free resources for treating patients experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Genetic risk factors for mental illness affect how children’s brains are wired up
Theme/Lead: Paul Harrison
BRC research published in Molecular Psychiatry, shed light on the role of genetics in mental illness, suggesting that genes influence the way children’s brains are ‘wired up’. This difference in nerve connections within the brain serves as a ‘vulnerability network’ for later developing mental illness.

Guidance for remote delivery of psychological therapies published
Theme/Lead: Anke Ehlers
The COVID-19 pandemic made it necessary to deliver psychological therapies remotely. Oxford Centre for Anxiety Disorders (OxCADAT) delivered NHS England workshops and therapist guidance for delivering psychological therapies for anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic grief remotely and materials published on the free OxCADAT resources website.

Co-SPACE study launched
Theme/Lead: Cathy Creswell
The Co-SPACE study launched shortly after the beginning of the first UK lockdown. It was designed to track children and young people’s mental health throughout the COVID-19 crisis and identify the advice, support and help needed to protect their mental health. The study has gone on to produce multiple reports on the needs and experiences of children and families during the pandemic. It has received widespread media attention and been instrumental in policy making.

New photography exhibition showcases groundbreaking research
Theme/Lead:
Oxford Health BRC took part in an exhibition showcasing groundbreaking NIHR research has been launched in Oxford. ‘The Body Unlocked: how research is changing lives’ is an ongoing exhibition which features life-sized photographs of people who have taken part in studies, as well as researchers at work and microscopic images of cells and bacteria.

Link between calcium abnormality and bipolar disorder
Theme/Lead: Paul Harrison
A systematic review led by Professor Paul Harrison showed a link between an abnormality in cellular calcium levels and bipolar disorder. The result supports the possibility that drugs which target calcium ions might be of value in treating bipolar disorder.

Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab established
Theme/Lead: Andrea Cipriani
The Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab is an international multidisciplinary group of researchers, clinicians (both psychiatrists and psychologists), statisticians, methodologists and students who are passionate about improving the lives of people with mental illness across the lifespan.

Emerging Minds Network launched
Theme/Lead:
The Emerging Minds network launched with kick off events across the UK including Belfast, Glasgow, Bristol, Cambridge, Birmingham, Newcastle, London, Swansea and Manchester attended by over 250 researchers, practitioners lived experience experts and policy makers. The Network works across sectors and disciplines to reduce the prevalence of mental health problems experienced by children and young people.
Akrivia Health launched
Theme/Lead:
Akrivia Health, a spinout from Oxford Health BRC, was developed as a sustainable way to accelerate the UK-CRIS programme. The UK-CRIS network operates a managed service for secure access to one of the world’s largest repositories of de-identified patient data relating to mental health and dementia conditions.

OHBA installs new MEG scanner system

Cannabis use raises risk of depression in young adults
Theme/Lead: Andrea Cipriani
A systematic review and meta-analysis showed that cannabis use among adolescents is associated with a significant increased risk of depression and suicidality in adulthood (not anxiety). While the individual-level risk was found to be modest, the widespread use of the drug by young people makes the scale of the risk much more serious.

OxCEMM launched

PPI strategy and animated film launched
Antidepressants more effective than placebo at treating acute depression
Theme/Lead: Andrea Cipriani
A meta-analysis of 522 trials published in The Lancet includes the largest amount of unpublished data to date, and finds that antidepressants are more effective than placebo for short-term treatment of acute depression in adults.

NIHR award to develop VR therapies for mental health
Theme/Lead: Dan Freeman
NIHR awarded £4 million to a project to enable state-of-the-art psychological therapy to be delivered via virtual reality (VR) in the NHS. The project, led by Professor Daniel Freeman brings together a team of NHS trusts, universities, a mental health charity, the Royal College of Art, and a University of Oxford spin-out company.
IAPT "no cost therapy" profiled in New York Times
Theme/Lead: Precision Psychological Therapies
The initiative, ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT) developed by University of Oxford’s Prof David Clark was profiled in an article in the NY Times. Featuring case studies from the Oxfordshire region, the article put a spotlight on the success of IAPT, delivered via the NHS, helping thousands of people across England access talking therapies.

OxCADAT free resources for mental health disorders
Theme/Lead:
The Oxford Centre for Anxiety Disorders (OxCADAT) created a website of free resources and training videos for therapists on how to treat social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder with the cognitive therapy programmes developed by the team

Oxford Health BRC on the World at One
Theme/Lead:
Oxford Health BRC theme leads, Professors Clare Mackay and Simon Lovestone, revealed details of the world’s biggest and most in-depth studies into dementia on BBC Radio 4’s World at One. Reporter, Andrew Bomford, visited the Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity (OHBA) to hear about the Deep and Frequent Phenotyping Study and look in on an MRI scan – one of the wide range of tests that is part of the study.


Using virtual reality to help persecutory delusions
Theme/Lead: Dan Freeman
Professor Daniel Freeman, consultant clinical psychologist at Oxford Health NHS Foundation, was awarded a major research grant to study how VR can help with persecutory delusions. Professor Freeman was awarded the grant together with his colleagues, Professors David Clark (University of Oxford), Mel Slater (University of Barcelona) and Graham Dunn (University of Manchester) and is part of the BRC precision psychological therapies theme.
Official opening of the Oxford Health BRC
Theme/Lead:
The NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre – a partnership between the University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust – was officially opened on 31 March in spring sunshine at the University of Oxford Department of Psychiatry. Nicola Blackwood MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health and Innovation, marked the occasion by unveiling a plaque.