See if an early-detection program reduces time to treatment for first-episode psychosis
Official title: Duration of Untreated Psychosis Revisited - Testing the Effect of Early Detection Services on the Duration of Untreated Psychosis. the TOPUS Study
Run by Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital · NCT07716969 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We test whether a large, region-wide early-detection program can shorten the time from first psychotic symptoms to treatment and help people function better later.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Copenhagen, Denmark and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07716969 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years and older receiving OPUS treatment in either Region Zealand or the Capital Region who started OPUS within the last 9 months and have a suspected schizophrenia-spectrum disorder.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not experience a reduction in DUP or who have conditions outside the schizophrenia spectrum may not see a benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study compares two Danish regions with different approaches to detecting psychosis. Region Zealand uses campaigns and rapid-outreach teams, while the Capital Region follows standard detection pathways; both provide identical OPUS treatment once engaged. The goal is to see if the early-detection effort reduces duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and whether a shorter DUP is linked to better clinical and functional outcomes. The study leverages real-world clinical settings to assess the impact of early-detection strategies on people with first-episode schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could shorten DUP and improve long-term functioning for people experiencing first-episode psychosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous campaigns with rapid-access teams (e.g., the TIPS study) reduced DUP and suggested potential long-term benefits, though causal effects require further confirmation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 18 or older In treatement in an OPUS treatment center in The Capital Region or Region Zealand. Started OPUS treatment within the last 9 months Suspected to have a psychotic disorder within the ICD 10 Schizophrenia spectrum (DF2X, excluding schizotypal disorder and schizophrenia simplex) Able to communicate adequately regarding symptoms and functioning in Danish or English. \- Exclusion Criteria: * IQ bellow 70 I primary diagnoses of drug or alcohol dependency
Where it's running
-
Mental Health Centre Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark, Denmark Recruiting -
Region Zealand Psychiatry East
Roskilde, Denmark, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nikolai Albert — Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital
- Study coordinator: Nikolai Albert, MD, PhD
- Email: nikolai.albert@regionh.dk
- Phone: +45 29925014
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.