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Allan Young

Professor Allan Young

Head of School, Academic Psychiatry

Research interests

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology

Biography

Professor Allan Young MB, ChB, MPhil, PhD, FRCP (Edin.), FRCPC, FRCPsych 

Professor Allan Young joined King’s in 2013 and holds the Chair of Mood Disorders and is Director of the Centre for Affective Disorders in the Department of Psychological Medicine in the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London (where he is also interim Vice-Dean for Academic Psychiatry), United Kingdom (UK).  

Prof Young is the clinical academic lead in the Psychological Medicine and Integrated Care Clinical Academic Group in the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust where he is also a Consultant Psychiatrist and the head of the National Affective Disorders Tertiary Clinic.  

He has held academic appointments at Oxford University; Newcastle University (latterly holding the Chair of General Psychiatry at Newcastle), University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, where he held the Leading Edge Endowment Fund Endowed Chair in Research in the Department of Psychiatry and was also the Director of the Institute of Mental Health and Imperial College London, where he held the Chair of Psychiatry and was Director of the Centre for Mental Health. 

Professor Young’s research interests focus on the cause and treatments for severe psychiatric illnesses, particularly mood disorders. He has received research grant funding from the UK Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, the Stanley Medical Research Institute, the Canadian Institutes for Heath Research (CIHR), the National Institutes of Health (USA), and numerous other funding agencies. He has published over 400 peer-reviewed publications and a number of books about psychopharmacology and affective disorders including Bipolar Disorders: Basic Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications (2nd Ed) with J.C. Soares, and Practical Management of Bipolar Disorder with I.N. Ferrier and E. Michalak (Cambridge University Press, 2010). 

Professor Young was recently ranked as one of the world's leading scientific minds in the field of Psychiatry and Psychology, according to the 2014 Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researchers list.  In all of science, a total of over 3,000 researchers worldwide earned this distinction and the academics listed rank among the top 1% most cited for their subject field and year of publication, a mark of exceptional impact. (see: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/iop/news/records/2014/July/Three-IoP-academics-ranked-as-worlds-leading-scientific-minds.aspx

Professor Young is a member of several editorial boards and is a member of numerous professional and scientific societies. He is immediate Past-President of the International Society for Affective Disorders, President of the British Association of Psychopharmacology and the immediate past Chair of the Special Committee for Psychopharmacology of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.  

Research Interests

  •  Affective Disorders 
  •  Psychopharmacology 

Expertise and Public Engagement

Professor Young is a member of several editorial boards and is a member of numerous professional and scientific societies. He is immediate Past-President of the International Society for Affective Disorders, President of the British Association of Psychopharmacology and the immediate past Chair of the Special Committee for Psychopharmacology of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. 

Prof Young is also a Trustee of the patient and family charity Bipolar UK. The national charity dedicated to supporting individuals with the much misunderstood and devastating condition of bipolar, their families and carers.  Prof Young is a trustee of The Drug Safety Research Unit (DSRU), an independent academic unit internationally respected for its work in Pharmacovigilance, Pharmacoepidemiology, Risk Management and Training Services for over 30 years. http://www.dsru.org/.

    Research

    brain trees
    Centre for Affective Disorders

    The Centre for Affective Disorders focuses on mood and anxiety disorders, common disorders which cause great suffering for many people.

    rlink1
    Optimising response to lithium treatment through personalized evaluation of individuals with bipolar I disorder: The R-Link initiative

    The R-Link study aims to find out which factors predict future response to lithium treatment in the long-term.

    Project status: Ongoing

    Antipsychotic-drugs-vary-dramatically-in-side-effects-800-450
    A 6-week Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicentre Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Lurasidone Adjunctive Therapy in Improving Cognitive Functioning in Euthymic Bipolar Disorder Patients (ELICE-BD)

    Comparing the difference in cognitive functioning in people treated with Lurasidone vs. placebo, to observe if the active treatment has any influence.

    Project status: Ongoing

    RHAPSODY Study
    The RHAPSODY Study

    Clinical Feasibility of Speech Phenotyping for Remote Assessment of Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric disorders (RHAPSODY)

    Project status: Ongoing

    NESPRED-logo_final
    Neurocognitive signatures predicting risk of recurrent depression (NESPRED) study

    After recovering from depression, it is currently difficult to advise on the risk of future recurring episodes. The aim of this study is to find better ways to predict the risk of future depressive episodes for a particular person

    CFIT_Resize_780x440
    Oral Ketamine

    Oral ketamine project facilitated by C-FIT

    Project status: Ongoing

    WhatsApp Image 2024-04-25 at 3.23.03 PM (1)
    Psychoactive Trials Group

    Psychoactive Trials Group

    spilled-medication
    kEtamine for the treatment of DEpression with anorexia Nervosa (EDEN)

    The EDEN trial aims to investigate the effect of ketamine in alleviating depression with a diagnosis of persisting anorexia and treatment-resistant depression

    Project status: Ongoing

    News

    At home brain stimulation for depression found to be safe and effective

    A device that delivers direct stimulation to the brain is a safe and effective means of treating depression at home.

    tdcs headset

    £1.45million awarded for EDEN Project, a trial exploring ketamine for depression with anorexia nervosa

    King’s researchers have been awarded the funds the MRC Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme to run a randomised controlled feasibility trial of oral ketamine...

    Someone talking to a professional

    New psychedelics and mental health research centre officially opens

    The Centre for Mental Health Research and Innovation officially opened on 15 November 2023 to accelerate research into psychedelics and develop new models of...

    COMPASS Centre reception

    New tool to streamline prescribing of antidepressants

    A new web tool has been designed by researchers at King's College London and the University of Oxfordto simplify the prescription of antidepressant and...

    Woman sitting opposite a person holding a clipboard and pen

    Lord O'Shaughnessy visits King's College London and the NIHR King's Clinical Research Facility

    Lord O’Shaughnessy, Former Health Minister and Senior Partner at consultancy firm Newmarket Strategy visited IoPPN and the NIHR King's Clinical Research...

    Lord O’Shaughnessy with King's College academics

    The finger of blame in depression and the brain

    Professor Roland Zahn delivered the eighth inaugural lecture of the 2022/23 IoPPN Inaugural Lecture Series, entitled 'The finger of blame in depression and...

    Roland Zahn inaugural

    A response to “The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence”

    A new Comment led by researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London critiques the umbrella review “The...

    landing page neuron

    Largest trial to date shows that psilocybin reduces depression symptoms

    A new multicentre clinical trial led by COMPASS Pathways across 22 international sites, including the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience...

    Spilled medication and bottle

    People with depression “stagnating” in primary care says top UK Psychiatrist

    A new study from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London and the European Brain Council has found “substantial...

    780x450 depression-lonely-web

    New partnership launched with SLaM and COMPASS Pathways

    The Institute for Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London has announced a new partnership to launch The Centre for Mental...

    Partnership

    Events

    29Jun

    Professor Roland Zahn - Inaugural Lecture

    Join us in celebrating Professor Roland Zahn's inaugural lecture on 'The finger of blame in depression and the brain''

    Please note: this event has passed.

    15Mar

    Adding Years to Our Lives and Life to Our Years

    Longevity Science Foundation and Aging Research at King's are running a joint event to highlight the potential of psychedelic applications for mental health...

    Please note: this event has passed.

    12Jan

    Professor Gráinne McAlonan - Inaugural Lecture

    Join us in celebrating Professor Gráinne McAlonan's inaugural lecture on 'Translating Neuroscience – across species, across development and into clinic''

    Please note: this event has passed.

    20Oct

    Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines International Conference - Clinical Psychopharmacology in the time of COVID

    The Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines International conference presents the latest evidence-based research and developments in clinical psychopharmacology.

    Please note: this event has passed.

    02Dec

    Depression in the 21st Century – Causes, Symptoms and Management (5pm GMT)

    Join Professor Allan Young, from the world-leading Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, as he explores the very latest...

    Please note: this event has passed.

    02Dec

    Depression in the 21st Century – Causes, Symptoms and Management (12pm GMT)

    Join Professor Allan Young, from the world-leading Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, as he explores the very latest...

    Please note: this event has passed.

    Professor Young is the Programme Chair for the MSc in Affective Disorders 

      Research

      brain trees
      Centre for Affective Disorders

      The Centre for Affective Disorders focuses on mood and anxiety disorders, common disorders which cause great suffering for many people.

      rlink1
      Optimising response to lithium treatment through personalized evaluation of individuals with bipolar I disorder: The R-Link initiative

      The R-Link study aims to find out which factors predict future response to lithium treatment in the long-term.

      Project status: Ongoing

      Antipsychotic-drugs-vary-dramatically-in-side-effects-800-450
      A 6-week Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicentre Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Lurasidone Adjunctive Therapy in Improving Cognitive Functioning in Euthymic Bipolar Disorder Patients (ELICE-BD)

      Comparing the difference in cognitive functioning in people treated with Lurasidone vs. placebo, to observe if the active treatment has any influence.

      Project status: Ongoing

      RHAPSODY Study
      The RHAPSODY Study

      Clinical Feasibility of Speech Phenotyping for Remote Assessment of Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric disorders (RHAPSODY)

      Project status: Ongoing

      NESPRED-logo_final
      Neurocognitive signatures predicting risk of recurrent depression (NESPRED) study

      After recovering from depression, it is currently difficult to advise on the risk of future recurring episodes. The aim of this study is to find better ways to predict the risk of future depressive episodes for a particular person

      CFIT_Resize_780x440
      Oral Ketamine

      Oral ketamine project facilitated by C-FIT

      Project status: Ongoing

      WhatsApp Image 2024-04-25 at 3.23.03 PM (1)
      Psychoactive Trials Group

      Psychoactive Trials Group

      spilled-medication
      kEtamine for the treatment of DEpression with anorexia Nervosa (EDEN)

      The EDEN trial aims to investigate the effect of ketamine in alleviating depression with a diagnosis of persisting anorexia and treatment-resistant depression

      Project status: Ongoing

      News

      At home brain stimulation for depression found to be safe and effective

      A device that delivers direct stimulation to the brain is a safe and effective means of treating depression at home.

      tdcs headset

      £1.45million awarded for EDEN Project, a trial exploring ketamine for depression with anorexia nervosa

      King’s researchers have been awarded the funds the MRC Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme to run a randomised controlled feasibility trial of oral ketamine...

      Someone talking to a professional

      New psychedelics and mental health research centre officially opens

      The Centre for Mental Health Research and Innovation officially opened on 15 November 2023 to accelerate research into psychedelics and develop new models of...

      COMPASS Centre reception

      New tool to streamline prescribing of antidepressants

      A new web tool has been designed by researchers at King's College London and the University of Oxfordto simplify the prescription of antidepressant and...

      Woman sitting opposite a person holding a clipboard and pen

      Lord O'Shaughnessy visits King's College London and the NIHR King's Clinical Research Facility

      Lord O’Shaughnessy, Former Health Minister and Senior Partner at consultancy firm Newmarket Strategy visited IoPPN and the NIHR King's Clinical Research...

      Lord O’Shaughnessy with King's College academics

      The finger of blame in depression and the brain

      Professor Roland Zahn delivered the eighth inaugural lecture of the 2022/23 IoPPN Inaugural Lecture Series, entitled 'The finger of blame in depression and...

      Roland Zahn inaugural

      A response to “The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence”

      A new Comment led by researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London critiques the umbrella review “The...

      landing page neuron

      Largest trial to date shows that psilocybin reduces depression symptoms

      A new multicentre clinical trial led by COMPASS Pathways across 22 international sites, including the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience...

      Spilled medication and bottle

      People with depression “stagnating” in primary care says top UK Psychiatrist

      A new study from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London and the European Brain Council has found “substantial...

      780x450 depression-lonely-web

      New partnership launched with SLaM and COMPASS Pathways

      The Institute for Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London has announced a new partnership to launch The Centre for Mental...

      Partnership

      Events

      29Jun

      Professor Roland Zahn - Inaugural Lecture

      Join us in celebrating Professor Roland Zahn's inaugural lecture on 'The finger of blame in depression and the brain''

      Please note: this event has passed.

      15Mar

      Adding Years to Our Lives and Life to Our Years

      Longevity Science Foundation and Aging Research at King's are running a joint event to highlight the potential of psychedelic applications for mental health...

      Please note: this event has passed.

      12Jan

      Professor Gráinne McAlonan - Inaugural Lecture

      Join us in celebrating Professor Gráinne McAlonan's inaugural lecture on 'Translating Neuroscience – across species, across development and into clinic''

      Please note: this event has passed.

      20Oct

      Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines International Conference - Clinical Psychopharmacology in the time of COVID

      The Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines International conference presents the latest evidence-based research and developments in clinical psychopharmacology.

      Please note: this event has passed.

      02Dec

      Depression in the 21st Century – Causes, Symptoms and Management (5pm GMT)

      Join Professor Allan Young, from the world-leading Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, as he explores the very latest...

      Please note: this event has passed.

      02Dec

      Depression in the 21st Century – Causes, Symptoms and Management (12pm GMT)

      Join Professor Allan Young, from the world-leading Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, as he explores the very latest...

      Please note: this event has passed.

      Professor Young is the Programme Chair for the MSc in Affective Disorders