“New Approaches to Detection and Intervention for Social Recovery in Early Psychosis and At Risk Mental States“

Plenary Session V, Friday, 21st October, 9:15 – 10:00 a.m., Salon Washington

Professor, Clinical Psychology, University of Sussex

David Fowler is a clinical psychologist who has been involved in a programme of research on the development and evaluation of cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis for over 25 years. He is currently Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Sussex and is engaged in clinical work and trials in Sussex Partnership NHS trust. He undertook some of the first pioneering studies in this area and with other UK colleagues (particularly the PRP group with Philippa Garety and Elizabeth Kuipers) he has subsequently been principal investigator in a series of high impact large randomised trials which now provide a strong evidence base for cognitive behaviour therapy which has underpinned guidance on the psychological management of psychosis in many countries. In addition David also has made a key contribution to the development of early intervention services for people with psychosis. He co-edited Early Intervention in Psychosis 2000 with Max Birchwood and developed a pathfinder early intervention service in Norfolk which became a recognised centre of excellence in the area and the basis for many influential trials. David also collaborated with Prof Tony Morrison and Dr Paul French to undertake the multicentre EDIE study on cognitive therapy in young people at risk of schizophrenia. Most recently David has been focussing on development of interventions to address social disability in early psychosis and youth mental health. He led the Medical Research Council funded ISREP trial (Fowler et al, 2009).   David is currently the chief investigator for two multicentre trials PRODIGY and SUPEREDEN3 which evaluate the effects of CBT in preventing social disability amongst young people recovering from first episode psychosis, and young people at risk of severe mental illness respectively. He has published over 140 peer reviewed papers.