Dr Andrew McKechanie

Senior Clinical Research Fellow & Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist

Biography

Background

Following psychiatric training in North Yorkshire and Edinburgh, Dr McKechanie took up a position as clinical lecturer in learning disabilities at the University of Edinburgh in 2008. Within this post he focused on the genetic basis of intellectual disability and the contribution of small changes in the genetic code to increased susceptibility to mental illness in those with an intellectual disability.

He has worked at The Patrick Wild Centre since its opening in 2010, where much of his work has focused on functional brain imaging in groups of individuals with intellectual disability and fragile X syndrome.

His clinical work is as a consultant psychiatrist for the NHS Lothian Learning Disability Service.

He is also a board member of Scottish Autism, a national charity which provides autism-specific services to children and adults with autism, along with support and information for their families, carers and professionals.

Responsibilities & affiliations

Member, Royal Society of Edinburgh Young Academy of Scotland

Fellow, Royal College of Psychiatrists

Board member, Scottish Autism

Former board member, Scotland Malawi Mental Health Education Project

Co-author of WHO papers on the Health of Children and Young People with Intellectual Disabilities.  [Priority 4]  [Priority 7]

Research summary

Dr McKechanie’s research interests primarily relate to intellectual disabilities, the autism spectrum and related neurodevelopmental disorders. While our understanding of these conditions has increased dramatically in recent years, in many cases this has yet to be translated into meaningful clinical benefits for individuals affected by them. His research aims to change this.

View all 49 publications on Research Explorer

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