The Prevalence of Pathogenic Antibodies in Psychiatric Illness (PPiP) study is exploring whether some cases of psychosis are caused by the immune system attacking parts of the brain, and should therefore be treated with immunotherapy rather than antipsychotic drugs. It is hoped the research could revolutionise outcomes for these patients.

NSFT has been part of the national study since it launched in 2014. The first phase saw the Trust recruit 30 local patients presenting with psychosis for the first time, who were assessed before blood samples were taken. Four of these samples contained NMDAR antibodies, inferring that the psychosis could be caused by a treatable immune system disorder. These patients were then referred to Cambridge for more detailed investigation.