Research Priorities and Directions of the Psychosis Research Center

Approved in June 2022

The Psychosis Research Center is committed to advancing scientific inquiry into mental disorders, with a focus on psychosis and related conditions. Our research priorities are organized into five key domains, each addressing critical aspects of mental health through innovative and evidence-based approaches. These priorities guide our efforts to enhance understanding, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental disorders in Iran and beyond.

A) Epidemiological and Demographic Studies
  1. Burden of Psychiatric Disorders Post-COVID-19: Investigating the impact and prevalence of mental health conditions following the COVID-19 pandemic.
  1. Epidemiology and Demography of Mental Disorders: Studying the prevalence and characteristics of mental disorders in the general population and specific target groups.
  1. Identification of Correlates and Influencing Factors: Examining individual, familial, and environmental factors (predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating) associated with mental disorders.
  1. Development, Analysis, and Interpretation of Databases: Creating, analyzing, and reporting databases related to mental disorders to support research and policy-making.
  1. Burden of Psychotic Disorders in Iran: Assessing the societal and health system impact of psychotic disorders in the Iranian context.

B) Assessment, Evaluation, and Diagnostic Measures
  1. Long-Term Psychological Outcomes of COVID-19 Survivors: Evaluating the lasting psychological effects in individuals recovered from COVID-19.
  1. Evidence-Based Methods for Assessment and Diagnosis: Developing reliable approaches for the evaluation, diagnosis, and phenomenology of mental disorders.
  1. Development and Localization of Tools: Creating or adapting tools for screening, assessment, and diagnosis of mental disorders, including in neuropsychiatric domains.
  1. Comorbidities in Mental Disorders: Studying physical and psychological comorbidities in individuals with mental disorders.
  1. Early Prevention and Detection: Focusing on early identification of mental disorders and associated issues, including medication side effects and comorbidities.
  1. Etiology, Biology, and Markers of Mental Disorders: Investigating the biological causes and biomarkers of mental disorders.
  1. Basic Neuroscience and Advanced Tools: Applying cutting-edge neuroscience tools to study mental disorders.

C) Biological, Psychosocial, Spiritual Treatments, and Rehabilitation
  1. Evidence-Based Bio-Psycho-Socio-Spiritual Treatments: Developing and evaluating holistic treatment models integrating biological, psychological, social, and spiritual components.
  1. Non-Pharmacological and Innovative Technologies: Exploring non-drug interventions and novel therapeutic technologies.
  1. Empowerment of Target Populations: Designing innovative strategies to empower individuals with mental disorders.
  1. Community-Based Services: Developing and implementing innovative community-oriented mental health programs.
  1. Integration of Mental Health Services: Incorporating mental health care into primary healthcare systems.
  1. Legal Status and Patient Rights: Examining the current legal framework and advocating for the rights of individuals with mental disorders.
  1. Reducing Stigma: Addressing stigma in target populations and developing strategies to mitigate it.
  1. Role of Cultural-Social Factors and Media: Investigating how cultural, social, and media influences shape public understanding of mental disorders.
  1. Life Components in Target Populations: Studying quality of life, perceived social support, and related factors in individuals with mental disorders.
  1. Localization and Enhancement of Service Delivery: Adapting and improving methods for delivering mental health services.
  1. Parenting Practices in Target Populations: Exploring parenting styles and their impact on individuals with mental disorders.
  1. Comprehensive Neuro-Psycho-Social Rehabilitation: Developing holistic rehabilitation programs for mental disorders.

D) Longitudinal Studies
  1. Longitudinal Studies of Mental Disorders: Investigating diagnostic stability, treatment adherence, disease outcomes, and treatment effects over time.
  1. Relapse Rates and Influencing Factors: Examining the frequency of relapse and factors contributing to disease progression and recurrence.
  1. Epidemiological Trends Over Time: Analyzing changes in the epidemiology of mental disorders over extended periods.

E) Education
  1. Education on Treatment Adherence Post-COVID-19: Developing educational programs to promote adherence to mental health interventions in the post-COVID era.
  1. Evidence-Based Educational Interventions: Producing protocols and guidelines to enhance mental health education for target populations.
  1. Use of New Technologies in Education: Evaluating and advancing the role of innovative technologies in mental health education.
  1. Development and Localization of Educational Tools: Creating or adapting tools to improve mental health knowledge among target populations.