Early signs and future paths for people at high risk of psychosis
Trajectories and Predictors in the Clinical High Risk for Psychosis Population: Prediction Scientific Global Consortium (PRESCIENT)
This project will build better tools to predict outcomes for young people showing early signs of psychosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Melbourne NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Melbourne, Australia) |
| Project ID | NIH-11374066 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of a global effort that combines clinical information, thinking tests, brain scans, biological markers, and genetic data from young people at clinical high risk for psychosis. Researchers will use large combined datasets and modern statistical and machine‑learning methods to find patterns that link baseline measures to different future paths, such as developing a psychotic disorder, recovering, or having persistent problems. The team plans to turn those prediction models into validated tools clinicians can use in routine care. The work brings together many CHR clinics worldwide to improve accuracy beyond earlier, smaller studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are young people identified as being at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis—those with recent subthreshold psychotic symptoms, functional decline, or related early warning signs seen at participating clinics.
Not a fit: People without CHR signs or those already diagnosed with a full psychotic disorder are unlikely to be included or receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help clinicians identify who needs earlier or more focused treatment and who may recover without intensive intervention.
How similar studies have performed: Previous CHR research has produced only modest prediction accuracy, so this larger, multimodal consortium approach is promising but not yet proven to be superior.
Where this research is happening
Melbourne, Australia
- University of Melbourne — Melbourne, Australia (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Christopher Barnaby — University of Melbourne
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Christopher Barnaby
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.