The current phase of TEDS - TEDS30!

From concluding TEDS26, to launchingTEDS30 and medical record linkage, we have been very busy at TEDS. But to keep going with all of this research, we need your help!

Important current Mental Health Study

The current major phase of TEDS research was launched in November 2024. All TEDS twins who we have an email address for were invited to take part in this exciting new phase of the study which focuses on mental health and wellbeing. Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are becoming more frequently experienced by young adults. TEDS have been collecting data relating to mental health issues from the TEDS’ twins over many years. By adding to this wealth of data, at this important stage in the TEDS twins lives, our researchers will be uniquely placed to bring greater understanding to these complex issues, striving for better mental health for all.

Study invitations have been sent by email. The invitation contained details enabling participants to log on easily to take part in the study. However, if you have changed your email address or believe that TEDS doesn’t have a record of your email address please get in touch (teds-project@kcl.ac.uk) so that we can update our system. 

Study link: https://qualtrics.kcl.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_8HT0AZMJZ8N913M

Medical Record Linkage

Additionally, we have contacted you with important information about medical record linkage. This is an exciting project currently underway, which will enable TEDS to link the data that we have collected from you to data from your NHS records. This is an extremely secure process governed by the strictest security measures to keep your data safe.

Data linkage has become an increasingly important tool for researchers in recent years as it provides access to important data sources without the need for study participants to repeatedly provide information. For example, in the past many of you permitted us to access your records held on the National Pupil Database which helped TEDS’ researchers to gain a detailed understanding of your educational progress.

Medical record linkage is a major step forward for TEDS and we have been working hard to ensure that all TEDS’ participants understand the process involved. In the past year, many TEDS twins have received a leaflet explaining in detail what our plans are, why we believe this is an important step forward and, importantly, what you would need to do if you would prefer to opt out of this part of the study. We will be sending this information out to the rest of TEDS soon!

You can also read the leaflet here: https://www.teds.ac.uk/media/m1enun1y/tedsmedicallinkageleafletwebsite.pdf

Recruiting your children into a study of the next generation

TEDS is also hoping to recruit many more of your children to the Children of TEDS (CoTEDS) study in the coming years. You can find out more and sign up here: https://www.teds.ac.uk/coteds/

Thank you TEDS twins!