New research highlights how specialist teamwork can unlock life-changing mental health treatment
Date added: 29 July 2026
Last updated: 29 July 2026
New research from Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust highlights how specialist teamwork can enable people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and treatment-resistant schizophrenia to safely access life-changing treatment, even when their care is highly complex.
Published in BMC Psychiatry, the peer-reviewed case report shows how a personalised, multidisciplinary approach enabled a young person with autism, schizophrenia and epilepsy to receive clozapine, the most effective treatment for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, despite significant clinical risks. The findings highlight the importance of specialist collaboration and personalised care when supporting people with complex mental health needs.
The research was co-authored by Madelaine Bridges, who works within the trust’s Research and Innovation team alongside her substantive role as a Community Matron.
Madelaine shared: “I am proud to have contributed to this publication alongside my co-authors. This case highlights the complexities that can arise when neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions coexist, and the importance of looking beyond diagnoses to understand each person’s individual needs.
“The paper demonstrates the value of multidisciplinary working and the positive difference that can be achieved when clinicians, specialist services, patients and families work together to find the right treatment approach. I hope it will support continued learning across mental health services.”
The case report explores the care of a young person with autism and treatment-resistant schizophrenia whose treatment was complicated by a history of seizures. It highlights the challenges clinicians can face in distinguishing between characteristics of autism and symptoms of psychosis, which can affect assessment and treatment decisions.
Clinicians from the trust’s Complex Psychosis Service worked with specialist pharmacy colleagues, an epilepsy centre, the patient and their family to develop a safe treatment plan. The report demonstrates how careful planning, shared decision-making and collaboration across services can help patients access treatments that may otherwise be considered too complex or high risk.
Professor Sukhi Shergill, Director of Research and Innovation at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “This publication showcases the expertise and dedication of our staff and demonstrates how research can directly improve patient care. By sharing learning from complex cases, our teams are strengthening the evidence base for mental healthcare and helping clinicians across the NHS deliver safer, more personalised care for people with complex needs.”
The publication reflects the trust’s commitment to embedding research and innovation into clinical practice. By supporting staff to contribute to research, the trust is helping advance understanding of complex mental health conditions and improve care for patients across the NHS.
The full paper can be read on the trust's website.
