Understanding the mechanisms linking cities to psychotic experiences across the lifespan (360G-Wellcome-218632_Z_19_Z)

Urban (versus rural) upbringing is associated with a two-fold adulthood risk for psychotic disorder. My PhD research replicated this association for subclinical psychotic experiences among children and adolescents (e.g., hallucinations and delusions), which are a developmental risk factor for adult psychotic disorders and other severe psychiatric problems. Given that 70% of the world’s population will live in urban settings by 2050, understanding the link between cities and psychotic experiences is an increasingly urgent public health priority. I will investigate this using three UK-population datasets (ALSPAC, E-Risk and UK Biobank), by exploring: \- The role of environmental features (air and noise pollution) \- The interplay between environmental and social features (social cohesion and crime) \- Biopsychological mechanisms (inflammation and cognition) \- Genetic confounding (drift/selection) This will be among the first research to take advantage of recent developments in high-resolution pollution models. By triangulating three datasets, taking a multilevel, longitudinal and life-course approach, and using advanced statistical methods for mediation and causal inference including causal mediation modelling and the co-twin control design, this research will provide novel insights into the nature of the urbanicity-psychosis association. Identifying modifiable risk factors in the urban environment will ultimately help to improve mental health outcomes in an increasingly urban world.