Cambridge centre for Precision Psychiatry and Data Science

Author: Emma Butler

  • Prediction to practice: PsyMetRiC and physical health in psychiatry

    For many young people with psychosis, conversations about physical health risks often happen too late. One month after launch, PsyMetRiC is already helping clinicians bring these discussions forward, supporting earlier and more informed decision-making in routine clincal care.

    A stylised logo featuring two mirrored human profiles constructed from overlapping translucent geometric shapes in pastel colours. Circular and polygonal shapes layer to form the head and upper body outlines, creating a calm, abstract representation of thought and connection. The word “PsyMetRiC” appears below in a rounded grey typeface.

    Built using longitudinal data from over 25,000 patients followed for two decades, PsyMetRiC is the first validated cardiometabolic risk prediction tool tailored for young people with psychosis. It generates individualised risk estimates for outcomes such as weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, across 1-, 6-, and 10-year time horizons.

    Unlike some existing tools developed in older adult populations, it reflects the realities of early psychosis care. It uses routinely collected clinical data, making it applicable to use within everyday consultations. It is designed to support conversations about future cardiometabolic risk when starting treatment, rather than waiting until problems emerge.

    The underlying methods are described in the recent Lancet Psychiatry PsyMetRiC paper. PsyMetRiC was led by Dr Benjamin Perry, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Birmingham with contributions from our own Dr Emanuele F Osimo. This work reflects a broader shift toward clinically embedded data science in psychiatry, where models are designed not only for statistical performance, but for use in real clinical decisions.

    Co-production has been core priniple through out development. Young people with lived experience of psychosis were involved throughout development. Their input fundementaly shaped how risk is presented, helping ensure the tool is clear, acceptable, and supports shared decision-making in practice.

    A minimalist illustration showing two human figures sitting together, one wearing a stethoscope and the other reaching toward a laptop displaying simple icons, checkmarks, and a rising chart. Overlapping speech‑bubble shapes float above them, conveying dialogue and shared decision‑making. The colour palette uses soft blues, purples, yellows, and pinks that echo the PsyMetRiC aesthetic.

    Early feedback suggests PsyMetRiC is valuable not just as a prediction model, but as a visual aid that supports discussion and planning. More broadly, this work points to a direction of travel for the field. Toward tools that support prevention, fit into clinical workflows, and are developed with the people they are intended to help.

    You can explore PsyMetRiC at psymetric.app and see how it could support conversations in your own clinic or research.

  • Celebrating One Year of Early Intervention Mission Recruitment!!

    A square graphic featuring the Early Intervention Mission logo at the top left, showing a stylised teal brain outline with the words “EARLY INTERVENTION MISSION” in dark blue. Below, large dark blue text reads “Celebrating One Year of Recruitment!” The top right corner includes a colourful curved design with shades of purple, blue, teal, orange, and red on a light cream background.

    TODAY marks a full year since our CPPDS team began recruiting for the EIM study. On top of this we’re thrilled to celebrate hitting 100 participants locally!

    This comes just after the national study reached an amazing 450 participants.

    A huge well done to everyone in the team for their hard work, enthusiasm, and teamwork over the past year. And of course, a heartfelt thank you to the patients and clinical staff who make this research possible. Your time, support, and collaboration are what make this possible.

    Here’s to another exciting year!