NCT03932188

Brain Imaging in Early Psychosis

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 20 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 13 Years – 25 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study assesses brain connectivity and function of individuals ages 13-25 at a prodromal or early stage of a psychotic disorder. Participation involves approximately 3 hours of MRI scanning and up to 6 hours of behavioral testing at Washington University School of Medicine's campus.

Detailed description

Schizophrenia is a devastating illness inflicting about 1% of the population worldwide. Symptoms of schizophrenia include paranoia, hallucinations, and disorganized behaviors, and is associated with lifelong occupational and social disability. It typically develops in adolescence or early adulthood, which are particularly formative periods in life when major educational, vocational, and social life changes occur, and then the brain undergoes a rearrangement of critical neural circuits. The "prodrome" is the period before the onset of a psychotic disorder, like schizophrenia. Prodromal youth often have significant emotional distress and social withdrawal, and family members may observe a concerning change in behavior or school or work performance. Identifying those at clinical high risk for a psychotic disorder is important, as early intervention can improve symptoms and functioning, and could prevent the eventual development of a psychotic disorder. This study will focus on individuals aged 13-25 years who have met criteria for a psychosis-risk syndrome (or attenuated psychosis syndrome) or are at a very early stage (first 3 years after diagnosis) of a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Involvement will be either 2 or 3 partial days at Washington University and will involve approximately 3 hours of MRI scanning and up to 6 hours of behavioral testing. Additionally, the investigators will study the effect of genetics on the patterns of brain connectivity in various psychiatric populations. DNA will be collected non-invasively from saliva and stored and processed in Washington University facilities.

Conditions

• Mental Health Issue (E.G., Depression, Psychosis, Personality Disorder, Substance Abuse)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Mental Health Assessments and Computerized Cognitive Test	Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and will be asked questions that address a broad range of personal life experiences involving social, occupational, domestic, and other behaviors.
DEVICE	MRI scan	Up to two MRI scan sessions will be done, altogether totaling just under 3 hours of scanning. MR scanners measure brain anatomy and activity using very strong magnets. No X-rays or radiation are involved.

Timeline

• Start date: 2020-09-01
• Primary completion: 2021-06-19
• Completion: 2021-06-19
• First posted: 2019-04-30
• Last updated: 2020-11-25

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States