Biography

Professor Yiend is a distinguished alumnus of Cambridge University, where she earned her first degree in Psychology and a PhD focusing on anxiety and attention. She is currently a Professor in the Psychosis Studies Department at King’s College London, having previously worked at Oxford University’s Department of Experimental Psychology and the Warneford Hospital. Her research primarily explores emotion processing biases in psychopathology, and she is developing innovative digital therapies to alleviate mental distress. Prof. Yiend has published over 80 peer-reviewed papers on various psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, and psychopathy. She has served as an associate editor for two academic journals and was a panel member for the 2020 RAE in Hong Kong. A Fellow of the American Psychological Society since 2014, she has received significant grant awards from UKRI, including ESRC, NIHR, and MRC.

In addition to her research, Prof. Yiend has extensive experience in educational leadership. She directed the Institute of Psychiatry’s Master’s Programme in Mental Health Studies and currently oversees the University of London’s online BSc Psychology. She has also served as interim Dean of Education and has been a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy since 2017.

Abstract

As digital technologies transform mental healthcare, the challenge is translating innovation into effective, scalable treatments. This talk explores that journey, with a focus on family contexts, using the STOP (Successful Treatment of Paranoia) smartphone therapy as a case example. New results from a UK clinical trial demonstrate STOP’s broad symptom reduction, recovery benefits, and transdiagnostic potential. The talk examines key opportunities and challenges in digital translation, including ethical considerations, the concept of a ‘digital therapeutic alliance,’ clinician and patient attitudes, and the importance of user co-production. It outlines a vision for digital tools that meaningfully enhance care, grounded in translational science.