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Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre
School of Mental Health & Psychological Sciences

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Our impact

The Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre has made significant contributions to clinical practice, educational policy, mental health policy and funding, public awareness and research. 

Through cutting-edge research, public engagement, and training the next generation of award-winning researchers, academics and professionals, the SGDP continues to advance our understanding of social, genetic and developmental influences on mental health.

 

Uncovering genetic and environmental influences on mental health

We lead internationally renowned longitudinal cohorts, including TEDS, E-Risk, Dunedin and GLAD. As leaders in psychiatric genetics, we have uncovered key genetic links to disorders like depression and eating disorders, and developed influential tools like PRSice for polygenic score analysis. Our research has helped uncover the effects of bullying, loneliness, maltreatment and trauma in childhood to inform early intervention. We have developed widely used psychological tests, contributing significantly to the global understanding of mental health.

Genetics DNA

Improving family mental health support and services

Our clinical academics have developed impactful resources such as the "Keep Cool" project and "Families Under Pressure" to support families dealing with anxiety and depression. Our pioneering research on high potency cannabis led to the UK's first Cannabis Clinic which supports young adults with psychosis and cannabis use to stop/reduce their use. Our contributions to NHS England guidance for perinatal services and the national framework for child and adolescent mental health in emergencies have furthered support for families and mental health services.

Autism research and educational policy

We speak regularly to educators about the application of genetics and are consulting with GEMS Education, the world's largest provider of school-level education, who are keen to apply genomics to education. Our research on under-diagnosis of autism in girls led to a working group with the National Association of Head Teachers, a widely read book and free teacher resources disseminated through the National Association for Special Educational Needs.

autism assessment

Influencing mental health policy

Our research revealed an association between air pollution and child and adolescent mental health, informing multiple debates in the House of Lords and advocating for reduced traffic emissions. Our research on trauma exposure has been cited in several government policies and frameworks for child and adolescent mental health in emergencies. Our large-scale research on anxiety, depression and eating disorders has informed government policy and led to increased funding for eating disorder research in the UK and beyond.

Gerome Breen 10 downing street parliament large

Training the next generation

The SGDP has trained over 150 PhD and 400 MSc students in understanding the social, genetic and developmental influences on mental health. Many alumni have become professors at top universities and won prestigious awards. Our graduates hold key positions in academia, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

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