Biography
Director of ADePT-RU - Professor of Clinical & Experimental Psychopathology - The University of Manchester Consultant Clinical Psychologist GMMH
Professor Adrian Wells is a leading figure in the field of clinical and experimental psychopathology. He has more than 30 years of experience in research and treatment development. Adrian’s work has made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders and depression and had contributed to clinical guidelines.
As the Director of ADePT-RU Research unit, Adrian leads a research team who are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals experiencing common mental health disorders. In addition to his role at the University of Manchester, where he holds a personal chair as Professor of Clinical & Experimental Psychopathology, he also serves as a consultant clinical psychologist at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust.
Adrian’s research is grounded in the belief that good theory of causal mechanisms, and rigorous testing of theory should be the basis for developing more effective treatments. He is well known for his work in developing cognitive behaviour-therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders and as the originator of metacognitive therapy (MCT).
Adrian is the Chief Investigator on the NIHR funded PATHWAY-Beacons project, which is examining the feasibility of roll-out of Group-MCT in cardiac rehabilitation services across the NHS. He is also chief investigator on the NIHR funded YoMeta project testing the feasibility of a trial of MCT in young people with common mental health problems.
Adrian is a chartered clinical psychologist, a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and director of the Metacognitive Therapy Institute. He has published more than 350 scientific papers and his research, clinical work, and leadership have made a major impact in mental health and clinical psychology.