Colm Healy
@c-healy.bsky.social
Child and adolescent mental health researcher at university college Dublin and university of Edinburgh.
Reposted by Colm Healy
Is the link btwn Adolescent SSRI use & Bipolar Disorder causal?
Our study suggests: 𝐍𝐨.
When accounting for unmeasured confounding (e.g., depression severity) via Instrumental Variable analysis, the evidence for a causal link disappears.
mentalhealth.bmj.com/content/28/1...
#Psychiatry #MedSky
Our study suggests: 𝐍𝐨.
When accounting for unmeasured confounding (e.g., depression severity) via Instrumental Variable analysis, the evidence for a causal link disappears.
mentalhealth.bmj.com/content/28/1...
#Psychiatry #MedSky
Antidepressant treatment and risk of subsequent bipolar disorder in adolescents with unipolar depression
Background Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a common treatment for depression and anxiety in adolescents but are associated with an increased incidence of bipolar disorder (BD). Whe...
mentalhealth.bmj.com
January 4, 2026 at 1:56 AM
Is the link btwn Adolescent SSRI use & Bipolar Disorder causal?
Our study suggests: 𝐍𝐨.
When accounting for unmeasured confounding (e.g., depression severity) via Instrumental Variable analysis, the evidence for a causal link disappears.
mentalhealth.bmj.com/content/28/1...
#Psychiatry #MedSky
Our study suggests: 𝐍𝐨.
When accounting for unmeasured confounding (e.g., depression severity) via Instrumental Variable analysis, the evidence for a causal link disappears.
mentalhealth.bmj.com/content/28/1...
#Psychiatry #MedSky
Reposted by Colm Healy
What % of all kids in the UK come to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) at some stage in childhood (0 - 18)?
15 years ago, it was 1 in 17 children.
Now it’s a pretty staggering 1 in 5
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
15 years ago, it was 1 in 17 children.
Now it’s a pretty staggering 1 in 5
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Trends in annual and lifetime prevalence of child and adolescent mental health service use in the UK between 1991 and 2023: Welsh healthcare register linkage study | The British Journal of Psychiatry ...
Trends in annual and lifetime prevalence of child and adolescent mental health service use in the UK between 1991 and 2023: Welsh healthcare register linkage study
www.cambridge.org
December 11, 2025 at 4:26 PM
What % of all kids in the UK come to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) at some stage in childhood (0 - 18)?
15 years ago, it was 1 in 17 children.
Now it’s a pretty staggering 1 in 5
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
15 years ago, it was 1 in 17 children.
Now it’s a pretty staggering 1 in 5
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
What is the prevalence of psychotic experiences in child & adolescent psychiatry services?
All studies - 54%
With associated distress - 45%
Interview only - 36%
At least a 1/3 reporting this pluripotent marker. Important info for clinicians. @edinburghcapsych.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1093/schb...
All studies - 54%
With associated distress - 45%
Interview only - 36%
At least a 1/3 reporting this pluripotent marker. Important info for clinicians. @edinburghcapsych.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1093/schb...
Prevalence of Psychotic Experiences in Children and Adolescents Presenting to Mental Health Services: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
AbstractBackground. There has been a wealth of research on psychotic experiences (PEs) in children and adolescents, highlighting their prevalence and clini
doi.org
December 12, 2025 at 9:37 AM
What is the prevalence of psychotic experiences in child & adolescent psychiatry services?
All studies - 54%
With associated distress - 45%
Interview only - 36%
At least a 1/3 reporting this pluripotent marker. Important info for clinicians. @edinburghcapsych.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1093/schb...
All studies - 54%
With associated distress - 45%
Interview only - 36%
At least a 1/3 reporting this pluripotent marker. Important info for clinicians. @edinburghcapsych.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1093/schb...
@iankellehermd.bsky.social chatting with Dr Norman Swan from ABCs the heath report about the Doxycycline and reduced risk of schizophrenia (doi: doi.org/10.1176/appi... ), worth a listen. 🎧👂: www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
Common acne medication could reduce schizophrenia risk - ABC listen
A drug used to treat acne and to prevent malaria, doxycycline, could reduce the risk adolescents developing schizophrenia.
The association was seen in a study looking at more than 50,000 adolescents ...
www.abc.net.au
November 19, 2025 at 12:41 PM
@iankellehermd.bsky.social chatting with Dr Norman Swan from ABCs the heath report about the Doxycycline and reduced risk of schizophrenia (doi: doi.org/10.1176/appi... ), worth a listen. 🎧👂: www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
New research using an emulated target trail approach with all adolescent CAMHs users in Finland suggesting that Doxycycline (an antibiotic) can reduces future risk of schizophrenia.
Massive congrats to @iankellehermd.bsky.social @edinburghcapsych.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1176/appi...
More info ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Massive congrats to @iankellehermd.bsky.social @edinburghcapsych.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1176/appi...
More info ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Doxycycline Use in Adolescent Psychiatric Patients and Risk of Schizophrenia: An Emulated Target Trial | American Journal of Psychiatry
Objective: As many as half of individuals who develop psychosis had attended child and adolescent psychiatric services at some stage in childhood, highlighting substantial opportunities for prevention...
doi.org
November 5, 2025 at 2:14 PM
New research using an emulated target trail approach with all adolescent CAMHs users in Finland suggesting that Doxycycline (an antibiotic) can reduces future risk of schizophrenia.
Massive congrats to @iankellehermd.bsky.social @edinburghcapsych.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1176/appi...
More info ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Massive congrats to @iankellehermd.bsky.social @edinburghcapsych.bsky.social
doi.org/10.1176/appi...
More info ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Reposted by Colm Healy
PPI representatives from the RCSI PSI-STAR study have collaborated with Brokentalkers on 'The Mirror Stage' - a performance inspired by the lived experience of psychosis.
It premieres at Project Arts Centre, Dublin (5–12 Nov) and The Everyman, Cork (18 Nov).
⬇️ brokentalkers.ie/whats-on/the...
It premieres at Project Arts Centre, Dublin (5–12 Nov) and The Everyman, Cork (18 Nov).
⬇️ brokentalkers.ie/whats-on/the...
The Mirror Stage | Dublin & Cork | Nov 7 - 12 & 18 - Brokentalkers
Brokentalkers present The Mirror Stage a powerful new theatre work created with and inspired by people who have lived through Psychosis.
brokentalkers.ie
October 13, 2025 at 9:06 AM
PPI representatives from the RCSI PSI-STAR study have collaborated with Brokentalkers on 'The Mirror Stage' - a performance inspired by the lived experience of psychosis.
It premieres at Project Arts Centre, Dublin (5–12 Nov) and The Everyman, Cork (18 Nov).
⬇️ brokentalkers.ie/whats-on/the...
It premieres at Project Arts Centre, Dublin (5–12 Nov) and The Everyman, Cork (18 Nov).
⬇️ brokentalkers.ie/whats-on/the...
Reposted by Colm Healy
I wrote a blog back in May about 30-year trends in self-reported psychological distress.
Have things changed? From the 1990s to the early 00s-- not so much. But from the 2010s onwards-- possibly, and most evidently for young people.
Have things changed? From the 1990s to the early 00s-- not so much. But from the 2010s onwards-- possibly, and most evidently for young people.
Psychological distress over 30 years in Great Britain: the times they are a changin’ (or are they?) buff.ly/qpu4p0f
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #PsychologicalDistress #Surveys #GB #30years
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #PsychologicalDistress #Surveys #GB #30years
July 1, 2025 at 10:40 AM
I wrote a blog back in May about 30-year trends in self-reported psychological distress.
Have things changed? From the 1990s to the early 00s-- not so much. But from the 2010s onwards-- possibly, and most evidently for young people.
Have things changed? From the 1990s to the early 00s-- not so much. But from the 2010s onwards-- possibly, and most evidently for young people.
Our new research on whether SSRIs curb the risk of later psychosis. We used quasi-experimental methods with the entire Finnish national birth cohort and, sadly, we find no evidence for a protective effect.
Secondary prevention needs to be more radical in it's thinking about SMI prevention.
Secondary prevention needs to be more radical in it's thinking about SMI prevention.
Out now: No evidence that SSRI treatment for adolescent depression reduces future risk of psychosis. This goes against the belief that typical treatments for common mental disorders will reduce the risk of psychosis. 💊🧠
15 min explainer podcast: youtu.be/wP3nuqSpWbo
Paper: doi.org/10.1192/j.eu...
15 min explainer podcast: youtu.be/wP3nuqSpWbo
Paper: doi.org/10.1192/j.eu...
Can treating teenage depression prevent severe mental illness in adulthood?
YouTube video by Ian Kelleher Lab
youtu.be
June 27, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Our new research on whether SSRIs curb the risk of later psychosis. We used quasi-experimental methods with the entire Finnish national birth cohort and, sadly, we find no evidence for a protective effect.
Secondary prevention needs to be more radical in it's thinking about SMI prevention.
Secondary prevention needs to be more radical in it's thinking about SMI prevention.
Reposted by Colm Healy
Out today in BJPsych: 45% of people with a psychotic or bipolar disorder attended CAMHS in Wales at some point in childhood/adolescence🧒
This replicates similar findings from Finland by @iankellehermd.bsky.social & co - showing this applies to UK CAMHS as well. doi.org/10.1192/bjp....
This replicates similar findings from Finland by @iankellehermd.bsky.social & co - showing this applies to UK CAMHS as well. doi.org/10.1192/bjp....
Psychosis and bipolar disorder risk in child and adolescent mental health services in the UK: population cohort study | The British Journal of Psychiatry | Cambridge Core
Psychosis and bipolar disorder risk in child and adolescent mental health services in the UK: population cohort study
www.cambridge.org
May 14, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Out today in BJPsych: 45% of people with a psychotic or bipolar disorder attended CAMHS in Wales at some point in childhood/adolescence🧒
This replicates similar findings from Finland by @iankellehermd.bsky.social & co - showing this applies to UK CAMHS as well. doi.org/10.1192/bjp....
This replicates similar findings from Finland by @iankellehermd.bsky.social & co - showing this applies to UK CAMHS as well. doi.org/10.1192/bjp....
@iankellehermd.bsky.social and co previously demonstrated that ~50% of those with psychosis and bipolar disorder had been to CAMHs in Finland.
That was no fluke, as they have now demonstrated that it's 45% in wales. Great work by @kirstieohare.bsky.social 👏 👏
Paper: doi.org/10.1192/bjp....
That was no fluke, as they have now demonstrated that it's 45% in wales. Great work by @kirstieohare.bsky.social 👏 👏
Paper: doi.org/10.1192/bjp....
Psychosis and bipolar disorder risk in child and adolescent mental health services in the UK: population cohort study | The British Journal of Psychiatry | Cambridge Core
Psychosis and bipolar disorder risk in child and adolescent mental health services in the UK: population cohort study
doi.org
May 14, 2025 at 8:45 AM
@iankellehermd.bsky.social and co previously demonstrated that ~50% of those with psychosis and bipolar disorder had been to CAMHs in Finland.
That was no fluke, as they have now demonstrated that it's 45% in wales. Great work by @kirstieohare.bsky.social 👏 👏
Paper: doi.org/10.1192/bjp....
That was no fluke, as they have now demonstrated that it's 45% in wales. Great work by @kirstieohare.bsky.social 👏 👏
Paper: doi.org/10.1192/bjp....
Reposted by Colm Healy
Shared characteristics associated with both psychotic experiences and likelihood of being treated with stimulant medications may instead be driving the relationship.
May 12, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Shared characteristics associated with both psychotic experiences and likelihood of being treated with stimulant medications may instead be driving the relationship.
Reposted by Colm Healy
Concerns have been raised that stimulant medications could increase risk of psychotic experiences in young people. Our new research shows no evidence for such a causal relationship 💊🧠
Paper 👇
publications.aap.org/pediatrics/a...
Paper 👇
publications.aap.org/pediatrics/a...
Stimulant Medication Use and Risk of Psychotic Experiences
10.1542/6370189324112Video AbstractPEDS-VA_2024-0691426370189324112BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES. The prescription of stimulant medications for young people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder i...
publications.aap.org
May 12, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Concerns have been raised that stimulant medications could increase risk of psychotic experiences in young people. Our new research shows no evidence for such a causal relationship 💊🧠
Paper 👇
publications.aap.org/pediatrics/a...
Paper 👇
publications.aap.org/pediatrics/a...
Very nice work by @valentinakieseppa.bsky.social on whether psychotic symptoms predict future risk of psychosis in CAMHs inpatient users. ⬇️⬇️
Do psychotic symptoms predict future psychotic disorders in adolescent psychiatry inpatients? A 17-year cohort study | Psychological Medicine | Cambridge Core
Do psychotic symptoms predict future psychotic disorders in adolescent psychiatry inpatients? A 17-year cohort study - Volume 55
www.cambridge.org
April 3, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Very nice work by @valentinakieseppa.bsky.social on whether psychotic symptoms predict future risk of psychosis in CAMHs inpatient users. ⬇️⬇️
Reposted by Colm Healy
Adolescents hospitalised for non-psychotic disorders have a high risk of psychosis in adulthood. But do (attenuated) psychotic symptoms predict later psychotic illness? The answer isn’t necessarily what you might expect…
Open access in #PsychologicalMedicine
Open access in #PsychologicalMedicine
Do psychotic symptoms predict future psychotic disorders in adolescent psychiatry inpatients? A 17-year cohort study | Psychological Medicine | Cambridge Core
Do psychotic symptoms predict future psychotic disorders in adolescent psychiatry inpatients? A 17-year cohort study - Volume 55
www.cambridge.org
April 3, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Adolescents hospitalised for non-psychotic disorders have a high risk of psychosis in adulthood. But do (attenuated) psychotic symptoms predict later psychotic illness? The answer isn’t necessarily what you might expect…
Open access in #PsychologicalMedicine
Open access in #PsychologicalMedicine
Reposted by Colm Healy
New research shows >50% of specialist adult mental health service use comes from former #CAMHS patients
We need early intervention in childhood to change these poor long-term outcomes
That's why we need much more research on mental illness prevention in #CAMHS
👉 www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
We need early intervention in childhood to change these poor long-term outcomes
That's why we need much more research on mental illness prevention in #CAMHS
👉 www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
February 24, 2025 at 12:01 PM
New research shows >50% of specialist adult mental health service use comes from former #CAMHS patients
We need early intervention in childhood to change these poor long-term outcomes
That's why we need much more research on mental illness prevention in #CAMHS
👉 www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
We need early intervention in childhood to change these poor long-term outcomes
That's why we need much more research on mental illness prevention in #CAMHS
👉 www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Reposted by Colm Healy
See our full video abstract on Adult Psychiatric Outcomes of Young People Who Attend Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlIo...
@c-healy.bsky.social @drullalang.bsky.social @kirstieohare.bsky.social @hughramsay.bsky.social @elainelockhart.bsky.social
@c-healy.bsky.social @drullalang.bsky.social @kirstieohare.bsky.social @hughramsay.bsky.social @elainelockhart.bsky.social
Adult psychiatric outcomes for young people who attend Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
YouTube video by Ian Kelleher Lab
www.youtube.com
February 24, 2025 at 12:13 PM
See our full video abstract on Adult Psychiatric Outcomes of Young People Who Attend Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlIo...
@c-healy.bsky.social @drullalang.bsky.social @kirstieohare.bsky.social @hughramsay.bsky.social @elainelockhart.bsky.social
@c-healy.bsky.social @drullalang.bsky.social @kirstieohare.bsky.social @hughramsay.bsky.social @elainelockhart.bsky.social