Researchers Seek Breakthroughs in Mental Illness Treatment

According to a report published on 2025-11-14T12:46:50+00:00, researchers at Cardiff University are conducting a groundbreaking study that could pave the way for improved treatment and diagnosis of serious mental illnesses. The study is collecting data from 600 participants in an effort to better understand the underlying causes of conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.

This research comes at a critical time, as there have been no truly new treatments for these illnesses since the introduction of antipsychotics and lithium over 50 years ago. Currently, people with serious mental health conditions have a life expectancy that is 10 to 20 years younger than the general population, and existing medications can have severe side effects.

"If we can get to the cause, then we can start looking at new treatments," said Neil Harrison, a professor of psychiatry and neuroimaging at Cardiff University. The study aims to identify new genomic variants and examine brain structure and activity in an effort to uncover the underlying biological, psychological, and social mechanisms behind these disorders.

Carina, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 23, has experienced the challenges firsthand. She has been detained under the Mental Health Act nine times and has endured long hospital stays, as well as debilitating side effects from her medication. Carina is hopeful that the research will lead to treatments that allow people with psychotic disorders to have the same life expectancy as the general population.