Research

The Academic Institute at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS) aims to promote research and to build a strong research culture.

It will play a crucial role in exploring how best to deliver and improve mental health treatment and evidence-based practice.

The Academic Institute oversees hospital-based research activity and works to ensure that the wellbeing and rights of service users, their families and staff, as well as SPMHS’ resources, are safeguarded at all times. The Academic Institute also aims to promote and raise awareness of the importance of research to our service users.

You can learn more about our Research Strategy for 2023 to 2027 here. This strategy was developed by in partnership with the Academic Institute’s steering group, led by service users and carers, and our Clinical Advisory Group.

We also have a number of strong research partnerships, including with Trinity College Dublin’s School of Psychiatry, University College Dublin’s School of Psychology, and University College Cork’s School of Pharmacy.

You can see more on our research projects and publications below.

Current Projects

View all

CARE-Dep Study

The CARE-Dep Study aims to identify clinical characteristics that may predict a good therapeutic response to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Find out more

KARMA-DEP (2) Trial

The KARMA-DEP (2) Trial explores the use of ketamine as an adjunctive therapy for people with severe depression.

Find out more

Impact of Eating Disorders on Biological Ageing

The research department of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services are currently investigating the effect of eating disorders on the ageing process.

Find out more

Recent Publications

View all

An exploration into participant experiences of a novel Group Formulation Programme

Emer Long, Clodagh Dowling, Claire O'Driscoll-Lawrie, Ruth Groarke, Violet Johnstone, Aideen O'Neill, Treasa Skelly, Gary O'Reilly

Long, E., Dowling, C., O'Driscoll-Lawrie, C., Groarke, R., Johnstone, V., O'Neill, A., ... & O'Reilly, G. (2024). “A Lightbulb Moment All The Way Through”–An exploration into participant experiences of a novel Group Formulation Programme. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 100446. doi:10.1016/j.ejtd.2024.100446

See the research on patient experiences of group formulation

Research needs of higher specialist trainees in psychiatry in Ireland

Eimear Counihan, Cornelia Carey, Anna Feeney, Kevin Lally, Ciara O'Connor and Anne M Doherty

Counihan, E., Carey, C., Feeney, A., Lally, K., O'Connor, C., & Doherty, A. M. (2024). Research needs of higher specialist trainees in psychiatry in Ireland: mixed methods study. BJPsych bulletin, 1–6. Advance online publication. doi:10.1192/bjb.2024.91

Childhood maltreatment and outcomes following electroconvulsive therapy in adults with depression

Ana Jelovac, Christopher Mohan, Emma Whooley, Anna Igoe, Cathal McCaffrey, and Declan M. McLoughlin

Jelovac A, Mohan C, Whooley E, Igoe A, McCaffrey C, McLoughlin DM. Childhood maltreatment and outcomes following electroconvulsive therapy in adults with depression. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. 2024; 1-10. doi:10.1111/acps.13756

Queries

For general queries, please call us. For more on mental health and our services, see our frequently asked questions (FAQs).

01 249 3200 See our FAQs

Referrals

Contact our Referral and Assessment Service for queries regarding referrals to our services.

01 249 3635 See more from our referrals team