CompletedPhase 4

Multi-modal Assessment of Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Function in Psychosis

United States143 participantsStarted 2020-01-16

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to better understand mental illness and will test the hypotheses that, while viewing affective stimuli, patient groups will show increased blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal by fMRI after lorazepam. This study will enroll participants between the ages of 16 and 60, who have a psychotic illness (such as psychosis which includes conditions like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and mood disorders like bipolar disorder). The study will also enroll eligible participants between the ages of 18 and 60 without any psychiatric illness to compare their brains. The study will require participants to have 3-4 sessions over a few weeks. The initial assessments (may be over two visits) will include a diagnostic interview and several questionnaires (qols) to assess eligibility. Subsequently, there will be two separate functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sessions in which lorazepam or placebo will be given prior to the fMRI. During the fMRI, the participants will also be asked to answer questions. Additionally, the participants will have their blood drawn, vital signs will be taken, they will be asked to complete more qols, and women of childbearing potential will have a urine pregnancy test.

Who can participate

Age range

16 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Early psychosis (EP) patients: Inclusion Criteria: * Ability and willingness to give informed consent to participate; * 16-35 years old * Meets DSM5 criteria for schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder type 1, with history of psychosis, major depressive disorder, with history of psychosis, brief psychotic disorder, or other specified/unspecified psychotic disorder; or, meets SIPS criteria for Presence of Psychotic Symptoms or Brief Intermittent Psychotic Syndrome (BIPS). * Positive symptom onset ≤ 2 years * No history of active substance use disorder in the past 2 months * Not currently on an involuntary treatment order * Not taking chronic narcotics, barbiturates, benzodiazepines * Absence of suicidal thoughts with plans or intentions, as assessed by Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) * No increases in psychotropic medication within the prior 4 weeks reflecting clinical instability and for half of the EP sample, not taking antipsychotic medication within the prior 4 weeks. Patients may take as needed doses of benzodiazepines as clinically prescribed, as long as those doses are not required within 5 half-lives of an fMRI session * Ability to tolerate small, enclosed spaces without anxiety * Vision equal to or better than 20/40 on a Snellen chart, with correction if necessary * No metals, implants or metallic substances within or on the body that might cause adverse effects to the subject in a strong magnetic field, o…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) Change in Medial Frontal Cortex While Viewing Affective Pictures

Timeframe: Approximately 28 days

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04004416

SponsorUniversity of Michigan

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-02-28

Results submitted2026-02-26

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Schizophrenia trials