PhD/MPhil/MD Psychiatry in Liverpool United Kingdom | University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool's Psychiatry Division offers guidance for postgraduate students pursuing research degrees in specialized areas. For details about these research focuses, please review the Division's research themes listed below. While the Division doesn't typically fund research degrees, exceptions may occur through agreements with lead supervisors or via competitive advertised positions.
Our division boasts vibrant, world-class research teams, with 80% of our research recognized as internationally significant in the latest Research Assessment Exercise (2008).

Psychiatry features several exceptional research themes. In General and Adult Psychiatry, led by Professor Christoph Lauber since 2007, the primary focus is 'social inclusion and exclusion for individuals with severe mental illness.' The research motto is: From clinical inquiries to research findings and back to clinical practice. Key areas include:
- Supported employment for individuals with psychosis and common mental disorders
- Involvement of users and caregivers in mental healthcare
- Stigma surrounding mental illness
- Mental health services research and intervention studies
The research group's objectives are:

1. To enhance understanding and treatment approaches for individuals with complex mental health needs
2. To make substantial contributions to mental health services research
3. To establish itself as a premier center for translational mental health research

In child and adolescent psychiatry, Professor Gowers is leading a Department of Health-funded multicenter trial examining cognitive behavior therapy for adolescent anorexia nervosa. He also heads an international initiative to develop and test the Health of the Nation outcome scales for younger populations.

Professor Rahman, appointed in 2008, brings global expertise to the Division. His recent work includes the largest psychological intervention trial for perinatal depression in developing nations, along with ongoing studies promoting early childhood development in low-income regions. He serves as a WHO advisor and contributes to their Mental Health Gap Action Programme.

Dr. Helen Sharp is conducting an extensive MRC-funded investigation into the developmental roots of childhood conduct disorders. This research identifies risk and protective factors while establishing a longitudinal study cohort. A subset of families undergoes detailed developmental assessments at regular intervals. Dr. Sharp recently completed an NHS-funded pilot RCT testing a novel intervention for treatment-resistant conduct problems. Additional research examines caregiver burdens related to complex Cystic Fibrosis treatments.