Belinda Lennox

My group's research is focussed on discovering the causes of psychotic illness,  and improving its treatment.

Psychotic illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are serious mental illnesses of unknown cause.  There is an urgent need to discover the basis of these illnesses, and to develop new treatments

We undertake a wide range of research studies, from lab based studies, clinical trials and through to health services research, all aiming to improve outcomes for people with psychosis. 

A particular focus is on the possible autoimmune basis of psychosis.  We have described antibodies against the NMDA receptor, and other neuronal targets, in 10% people with a first episode of psychosis. We have described how people with psychosis and these antibodies get better when treated with immune treatments. We are currently running the SINAPPS2 clinical trial to rigorously test this new approach. For more information: sinapps.org.uk 

I collaborate with academic groups and clinicians from across the UK and internationally to advance our understanding of autoimmune mental disorders and to treat patients with the best evidence based treatments. I run a multidisciplinary team, with psychiatrists, neuroimmunologists and neurologists, to assess and manage people with autoimmune mental illness

I lead the Early Psychosis Multi-arm, Multi-stage platform trial, (PUMA), which will test multiple novel treatments in an adaptive design, and look to rapidly transform treatments for early psychosis. Funded by Wellcome Trust, we are currently in set-up.