MOTS+: Exploring language and communication
in early psychosis
The MOTS+ project is a research initiative dedicated to studying language and communication in mental health, with a focus on individuals experiencing psychosis. Our research investigates how speech and language patterns change in people living with psychiatric conditions.
This study will recruit a total of 250 participants (140 English-speaking and 110 French-speaking) from three Early Intervention for Psychosis (EIP) clinics in Ontario (London) and Quebec (Montreal and Quebec City), enabling a diverse, bilingual sample for comprehensive analysis.
Investigating speech markers and communication patterns of psychosis
The project draws on psycholinguistics, the scientific field that examines how the brain processes language and integrates linguistic and non-linguistic information. Through this approach, we aim to better understand the relationship between thought processes, language production, and communication disorders associated with psychosis and other mental health conditions.
By analyzing natural speech patterns, our research seeks to identify subtle changes in language and communication that may occur before clinical symptoms of psychosis become noticeable. Identifying these early speech markers of psychosis could help clinicians detect relapse earlier and intervene before symptoms worsen.
This research also aims to improve the inclusion of individuals with language and communication difficulties in future mental health clinical trials. Ultimately, a better understanding of how mental health conditions affect speech and communication could contribute to earlier diagnosis, improved monitoring of psychiatric symptoms, and more effective treatment strategies.
Participant Recruitment & Eligibility in Montreal
We are currently seeking participants enrolled in the PEPP (Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychosis) at the Douglas Hospital.
Your participation will help researchers better understand how mental health conditions influence speech, language, and communication.
Adults aged 18 or older
Fluent in English or French
Available for a brief 15 minutes follow-up once a month over a total duration of 24 months
If you meet these criteria and wish to contribute to the advancement of psychiatric research, please contact us:
What to Expect During the Study
Session Details
Initial Format: One 90-minute in-person visit to begin the study.
Follow-up Sessions: Available for a 15 minute phone-based follow-up once a month, for a total duration of 24 months
Speech Tasks: Participants will complete recorded speech activities, including image descriptions, storytelling, and discussions about meaningful life events. These tasks allow researchers to capture natural speech and language use.
Safety and Comfort
Your data will be fully anonymized to protect your privacy.
Every effort is made to ensure your comfort; you are welcome to take breaks at any time during the meetings. There are no known risks associated with participation in this research project.
Your Rights as a Participant
Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. You may withdraw at any time without providing a reason by informing the principal investigator or a member of the research team. Choosing not to participate or deciding to withdraw will not affect the quality of care or services you receive, nor your relationship with your healthcare providers.
Meet our Team
Researchers
Lena Palaniyappan, Principal Investigator
Dr. Lena Palaniyappan is a practicing psychiatrist and the Director of the Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health at the Douglas Research Centre. He holds the Monique H. Bourgeois Research Chair and serves as the Chief Editor of the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience. After completing his medical training in India and his PhD at the University of Nottingham (UK), he has become an international leader in the study of adolescent mental health.
Alban Voppel, Project Coordinator
Dr. Alban Voppel is a postdoctoral researcher working in psychiatry and speech research at the Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health at the Douglas Research Centre. He completed his PhD in psychiatry at the University of Groningen (Netherlands) before continuing his research in Montreal. As study coordinator, he oversees recruitment, team coordination, and data storage and processing.
Fiona Meister, PhD Candidate, Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University
Fiona Meister is a PhD student in Mental Health at McGill University and researcher at the Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health at the Douglas Research Centre. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in French Studies and Special Education in Switzerland. She did her Master’s in Linguistics at the University of Montréal. Her doctoral studies are supported by the MOTS+ project for which she does participant recruitment and speech/clinical data collection both at baseline and during the 23-month follow-up.
Farida Zaher, Graduate Researcher McGill University
Farida Zaher is a student researcher at McGill University passionate about exploring how mental health treatments shape the way we communicate. Her thesis examines the effects of ketamine treatment on speech patterns in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. She is especially interested in how subtle changes in language can offer insight into changes in mental states. As a researcher on the MOTS+ project, she is involved in participant recruitment, clinical and speech data collection at baseline and during follow-up visits.
Nadine El-Mufti, Research Assistant
Nadine El-Mufti is a Master’s student at Concordia University and Mila – Quebec AI Institute, developing speech-based AI for clinical health applications. She is also a Graduate Research Assistant at the Douglas Research Centre. Her work focuses on speech-based relapse prediction in psychotic disorders. She maintains clinical speech data workflows and contributes to the Quebec Speech Bank.
Marie-Ange Barthel, Research Assistant
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