Schizoaffective disorder

This study tests whether gabapentin, an FDA-approved medication, can help restore the balance of key brain chemicals (GABA and glutamate) in people with bipolar disorder who also use cannabis. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either gabapentin or a placebo for 17 day…

This trial tests whether levetiracetam, a drug used for seizures, can reduce overactivity in the hippocampus—a brain area linked to memory—and improve cognitive function in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Participants receive either levetiracetam or a place…

This completed study tested Igalmi, a fast-dissolving film placed under the tongue, for managing frequent agitation in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. 29 adults received the drug as needed for 7 days in a clinic. Researchers looked for signs that the drug might sto…

This early-stage study is testing whether combining standard psychiatric medications (like antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs) with individual cognitive behavioral therapy can improve symptoms and daily functioning in people with anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disord…

This study tested a long-acting injectable (LAI) form of the drug lumateperone in 52 adults with stable schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Participants received a single injection of one of several LAI formulations, along with oral capsules, to see how the drug behaves in…

This study tests a new group program called Forging New Paths for adults with serious mental illness who have also been involved with the criminal justice system. The program combines cognitive behavioral therapy with social learning techniques to reduce aggression and help peopl…

This study tests a personalized cognitive remediation program for people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Participants work on computer-based cognitive exercises and take part in group discussions to improve thinking skills like memory and attention. The goal is to…

This study tested a weight-loss program called CoachToFit for 257 veterans with serious mental illness (like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) who were obese. Participants used a smartphone app, an activity tracker, and a Bluetooth scale, and worked with a peer coach. The goal w…

This study tested a long-acting injectable form of risperidone (Risperdal Consta) in 31 people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were already receiving home-care treatment. Participants switched from their usual antipsychotic medication to receive a shot every tw…

This study tested a special team-based program called R-FACT for people with serious mental illness who are also involved with the criminal justice system. The program provides intensive, community-based support with close coordination between mental health and justice staff. Res…

This study tested whether adding memantine, a drug used for Alzheimer's, to targeted cognitive training (brain exercises) could improve thinking and daily function in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. 62 participants took either memantine or a placebo while c…

This study looked at whether changing antipsychotic medication can better control schizophrenia symptoms in people already taking these drugs. Researchers followed 219 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who still had symptoms despite treatment. The main measure…

This study looked at 6 people with schizophrenia who were already taking a combination of two long-acting injectable medications: Abilify Maintena and Rexulti. Researchers tracked their symptoms and side effects over 6 months to see how well the combo worked in everyday life. The…

This study tested whether a smartphone app designed for people with serious mental illness can help them quit smoking better than standard methods. Researchers enrolled 343 adults with conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia who wanted to quit. Participants used either …

This completed Phase 1 trial tested three different slow-release versions of the schizophrenia drug olanzapine in 106 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The goal was to see how the body absorbs and processes each version compared to the standard immediate-rele…

This study tested whether delivering coordinated specialty care (CSC) via telehealth works as well as standard in-person care for young people (ages 16–35) with early psychosis. Over 12 months, researchers tracked hospitalizations and engagement in 74 participants. The goal was t…

This study tested whether taking a daily probiotic supplement could prevent relapse in people recently hospitalized for mania. Over 24 weeks, 66 participants received either the probiotic or a placebo. The main goal was to see if the probiotic reduced the need for re-hospitalizat…

This study tested whether adding a medication to a computer-based cognitive training program could improve thinking and daily function in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. 68 adults completed 30 sessions of targeted cognitive training while some also received…

This study tested whether a personalized crisis plan, called the SOS Plan, could reduce hospitalizations in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. 124 patients worked with their doctors and loved ones to create a plan outlining what to do in a crisis. The goal was…

This study tested whether peer specialists—people who have serious mental illness themselves and are trained to help others—can effectively deliver two types of therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Social Skills Training (CBSST) and Social Skills Training (SST). The goal is to help vete…

This study tested whether a higher dose of the long-acting injectable medication risperidone (Risperdal Consta) works better than the usual dose for people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who still have symptoms despite standard treatment. 160 participants received…

This study tested a 6-month rehabilitation program for people with treatment-resistant psychosis in a forensic psychiatric hospital. The program included psychodynamic therapy, music and art therapy, and cognitive exercises. Twenty patients were split into two groups to compare t…

This pilot study tested a counseling program called the Teen Marijuana Check Up, adapted for young adults (ages 13–35) who have early psychosis and use cannabis. The program uses motivational interviewing and personalized feedback over two sessions to help participants reduce or …

This study tested whether mindfulness training can prevent relapse in people with psychosis. 152 participants who were in remission were randomly assigned to either mindfulness training or standard education. Researchers tracked them for 12 months to see who had a relapse.

This study tested whether adding a long-acting stimulant (methylphenidate) to regular antipsychotic medication can improve thinking and daily function in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Thirty-five adults who were stable on their current treatment took the …

This trial tests whether a dissolvable film placed under the tongue, containing the drug dexmedetomidine (BXCL501), can reduce agitation in people with schizophrenia. Participants are adults aged 18 to 65 who are clinically agitated. The study compares different doses of the film…

This Phase 3 trial tested a sublingual film containing dexmedetomidine (BXCL501) to quickly reduce agitation in 380 adults with schizophrenia or related disorders. Participants received either the drug or a placebo film, and researchers measured changes in agitation symptoms over…

This study tested an investigational medication called BXCL501 (dexmedetomidine) given as a film under the tongue for episodes of agitation in people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder. The trial included 452 adults aged 18-75 and compared the drug …

This early-phase trial tests a new brain stimulation target for people with depression plus at least one other psychiatric disorder, such as anxiety, OCD, or PTSD. The treatment uses a non-invasive form of brain stimulation called accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation …

This study tests whether immersive virtual reality (VR) can safely help people with schizophrenia improve their thinking skills, reduce symptoms, and function better in daily life. Forty adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder will either receive VR-based cognitive …

This study tested whether low-intensity ultrasound waves aimed at a specific brain area could help reduce negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as lack of motivation and social withdrawal. 78 adults with stable schizophrenia received either real or fake ultrasound over 20 days…

This study tested a program to reduce anticholinergic medications (like benztropine) in 53 adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other serious mental illnesses who had been taking these drugs for at least 6 months. The goal was to safely taper or stop these medications …

This study tested whether adding levetiracetam (a seizure medication) to standard antipsychotics helps people with early psychosis who still have symptoms. 65 participants took either the drug or a placebo for 12 weeks. The goal was to see if it reduces psychotic symptoms and pro…

This study tested a brief, two-session therapy program for young adults (ages 18-35) who had recently started early psychosis services. The program, adapted from a US-based intervention called 'Just Do You,' aimed to improve treatment engagement and recovery by addressing barrier…

This study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can reduce auditory hallucinations in people with psychotic disorders. Twenty-four participants received the stimulation while researchers measured changes in hallucination severity and brain activit…

This study tested whether a 4-month gym exercise program helps young adults (18-35) taking antipsychotic medication for psychosis or mood disorders feel better in their daily lives. 226 participants were randomly assigned to either continue their usual care or add gym workouts. R…

This study tested whether virtual peer support groups, co-led by a mental health clinician and a trained peer specialist, could help veterans with serious mental illness (like schizophrenia or bipolar with psychosis) feel more socially connected and less distressed. Twenty-eight …

This early-stage study tested a new drug called MK-8189 (elpipodect) in 63 people with schizophrenia, including both younger and older adults, as well as healthy older volunteers. The main goal was to check the drug's safety and how the body processes it, not to cure the disease.…

This early-stage study tested a new drug called MK-8189 (elpipodect) in 53 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The main goal was to see if the drug is safe and tolerable when given in increasing doses. Researchers monitored side effects and how many people stop…

This study tested whether luteolin, a natural supplement found in celery and chamomile tea, can improve symptoms of schizophrenia. 85 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder took either luteolin or a placebo for 12 weeks. Researchers measured changes in overall symp…

This study tests whether high-frequency magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can reduce auditory hallucinations in people with schizophrenia. Unlike standard low-frequency treatment that takes 15 days, this approach uses 20 Hz stimulation over just 2 days, guided by brain scans for precis…

This study tested a type of brain stimulation called theta-burst TMS to see if it can safely improve negative symptoms (like lack of motivation) and thinking problems in people with schizophrenia. 76 adults with stable schizophrenia took part in a double-blind trial where some re…

This study tested a therapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Work Success (CBTw) in 294 veterans with serious mental illness (like depression, bipolar disorder, or PTSD) who were unemployed. The goal was to help them find and keep competitive jobs, which can improve their …

This study tested whether taking part in art activities like theatre, dance, visual arts, music, or cinema can improve mental health. 541 adults with psychiatric diagnoses were randomly assigned to either an art program or a waitlist. Researchers measured changes in depression an…

This study tested whether a smartphone app called FOCUS, along with coaching from trained clinicians, could help people with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. 191 participants used the app and received coaching over 12 weeks. Researchers measured c…

This study tested whether personalizing cognitive training based on a person's early auditory processing ability improves thinking and daily function in schizophrenia. 194 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were assigned to either a tailored program (Brain Basi…

This study tested whether forest therapy—mindful walking, sun bathing, hugging trees, and meditation—could improve symptoms and reduce inflammation in 80 adults with psychotic disorders. Half received forest therapy plus standard care for 8 weekly sessions; the other half receive…

This completed Phase 4 study tested valbenazine in 59 adults with tardive dyskinesia (involuntary muscle movements) caused by psychiatric medications. Participants had schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. Over 24 weeks, researchers measured changes in quality of …

This pilot study tested a mobile app called iCanChange in 100 young adults (ages 18-35) with psychosis and cannabis use disorder. The app uses motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques through short interactive modules. The main goal was to see if the …

This study tested two mobile health (mHealth) strategies to help people with schizophrenia manage their symptoms. 299 participants used smartphone tools to track and improve issues like depression, anxiety, and insomnia. The goal was to see if these digital tools could make a rea…

This study tested whether a 4-week virtual reality (VR) training program could improve thinking skills in 62 people with depression, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Participants practiced daily-life tasks in VR, such as cooking and shopping, guided by…

This study tested the safety and tolerability of lumateperone, an antipsychotic drug, in 26 adolescents aged 13 to 17 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Participants took either 28 mg or 42 mg of lumateperone by mouth. Researchers measured how the drug moves through …

This study tested a non-invasive brain stimulation technique to reduce mania symptoms in people with bipolar or schizoaffective disorder. Fourteen participants with mild-to-moderate mania received targeted electrical stimulation to brain areas linked to impulse control and risk-t…

This study tested two different 2-month training programs to help veterans with psychosis improve their social interactions and quality of life. 113 veterans took part. The goal was to see which training worked better for everyday social situations.

This study tested a group therapy called Social Cognition Interaction Training (SCIT) to help people with schizophrenia better understand social cues. About 51 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder took part, either receiving SCIT or being placed on a waitlist. Th…

This study tested whether having people with schizophrenia watch a video of themselves recorded during a psychotic episode could improve their awareness of their illness. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to either watch the video or not. The goal was to see if this simple to…

This study looked at whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help veterans with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder manage chronic pain. 47 veterans took part in a 12-session CBT program designed for chronic pain. The goal was to see if the ther…

This completed study tested whether a mild electrical current applied to a specific brain region (the right superior temporal sulcus) could reduce hallucinations in 12 adults with psychosis. Participants received transcranial electrical stimulation while researchers measured chan…

This study tested whether computer-based visual exercises can help people with schizophrenia who have trouble with contrast sensitivity and organizing visual information. Researchers compared several training programs, including one called UltimEyes, in 79 participants. The goal …

This completed study from the National Institute of Mental Health looked at nearly 5,000 people with schizophrenia or related disorders, along with their siblings. The goal was to find genes linked to the illness and see how they affect brain function. This research helps scienti…

This study used advanced brain imaging (MRI and MEG) to look for differences in brain structure, chemistry, and activity between people with schizophrenia and healthy volunteers. Over 3,200 adults took part. The goal was to better understand the brain changes linked to schizophre…

This study tests whether a fast form of brain stimulation (accelerated iTBS) can improve thinking and memory in 30 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are already taking the medication clozapine. Participants will receive both real stimulation and a sham (fa…

This study looked at how well patients, their family members, and doctors agree when rating agitation episodes in people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Thirty-three adults received a treatment called BXCL501, and researchers compared different questionnaires to see which…

This completed study tested whether targeted brain stimulation (TMS) could affect attention and nicotine cravings in 15 people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who smoke. Researchers applied different types of TMS to a brain network linked to attention and measured …

This completed study looked at how the brains of people with schizophrenia work when they are not taking antipsychotic medication. The goal was to tell apart the effects of the illness itself from the effects of the drugs. 648 participants stayed in a hospital and underwent brain…

This study looked at how dopamine receptors in the brain work in people with schizophrenia compared to healthy volunteers. Researchers used special PET and MRI scans to measure two types of dopamine receptors. The goal was to better understand what causes schizophrenia, which cou…

This study examines whether levels of a blood enzyme called α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase differ between people with schizoaffective disorder during acute episodes and those in remission, compared to healthy individuals. The goal is to better understand the biological processes beh…

This study investigates how a medication called lorazepam, which boosts the calming brain chemical GABA, changes emotional brain activity in people with psychosis. Participants aged 16–60 with conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, along with healthy volunteers, will …

This study watched 60 adults getting electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for severe depression to see if their need for anesthesia changed over multiple sessions. Researchers measured the dose of anesthetic used each time and how it related to seizure quality and recovery. No new tre…

This pilot study tested a community-based intervention for people with psychosis in Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe. The program includes peer support from someone who has experienced psychosis, case management, and help with daily activities like finding work or soci…

This study tested a new way to improve mental health services for people with psychosis in Uganda. Instead of just doctors making decisions, people who have experienced psychosis were trained to help at home, in the community, and at clinics. The goal was to see if this approach …

This study tested a smartphone app called A4i designed to help people with schizophrenia manage their illness and stay connected with their care providers. 91 adults with schizophrenia or related disorders used the app for 6 months. The goal was to see if the app was practical an…

This early-stage trial tested the safety and tolerability of multiple doses of TAK-063 in 77 participants, including people with stable schizophrenia and healthy Japanese volunteers. Researchers monitored side effects, lab results, and vital signs over 7 days. The study does not …

This early-stage study tested a new drug called MK-8189 in 55 people, including healthy volunteers and those with schizophrenia. The main goal was to see if the drug is safe and how it behaves in the body. Researchers measured drug levels and side effects, but this study did not …

This study checked whether a high dose of the experimental drug MK-8189 (elpipodect) affects heart rhythm in people with schizophrenia. 107 participants received the drug, a placebo, and an active control in a crossover design. The main goal was to see if the drug causes a danger…

This study tested whether sending text message reminders and support to young people with psychosis after an emergency room visit helps them attend their first early psychosis appointment. 186 participants were enrolled. The goal was to see if a low-cost, youth-friendly approach …

This study tested a program called NAVIGATE, which provides coordinated care for youth and young adults (ages 14-35) who have had a first episode of psychosis. The goal was to see if NAVIGATE helps improve recovery, reduce hospital stays, and lower healthcare costs compared to st…

This study tested a new mobile app called iTEST that helps people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder improve how accurately they judge their own performance on memory and emotion recognition tasks. 69 adults completed daily exercises on a smartphone for 16 weeks, gues…

This study tested a new digital tool called CBTpro that uses artificial intelligence to help therapists improve their skills in cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp). Over 600 participants, including therapists and their clients with conditions like schizophrenia or b…

This study tested a program called CRAFT-EP, which helps families support a relative with early psychosis and substance use (like alcohol or cannabis). The program was delivered entirely through video calls. Researchers measured family members' depression and anxiety to see if th…

This study tested whether a brain wave measurement called mismatch negativity (MMN) can help match veterans with mental illness to the most effective cognitive training program. 100 veterans with conditions like schizophrenia, PTSD, or mood disorders participated. The goal was to…

This study looked at how a supplement called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) affects brain chemicals and thinking in 88 adults with schizophrenia or related disorders. Participants took tryptophan to raise a brain chemical called kynurenic acid, then had cognitive tests and brain scans. T…

This study tested a program called Collaborative Decision Skills Training (CDST) to help veterans with serious mental illness (like schizophrenia or major depression with psychosis) work more closely with their doctors in making treatment decisions. The program involved eight wee…

This study looked at how people with schizophrenia organize memories of events. Participants took a 1-hour walk in Strasbourg while wearing an automatic camera. Later, they were asked to put photos from the walk in order and identify where events started and ended. The goal was t…

This study looked at how people aged 15-45 with early psychosis process information about their surroundings, called state representation. Researchers tested two types of cognitive training and measured changes in thinking and brain activity using computer tasks and scans. The go…

This study tested two types of brain stimulation (TMS) in 90 people who smoke, half with schizophrenia and half without. The goal was to see if TMS could change brain connections and reduce nicotine cravings. Participants completed thinking tasks and reported their cravings befor…

This study tested whether a smartphone app could help veterans with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder track their own symptoms. 87 veterans used the app to monitor their activity, sleep, and social interactions. The goal was to see if this data coul…

This completed Phase 2 trial tested whether a drug called CVL-562 can change brain activity related to working memory in people with early schizophrenia. 112 participants received different doses or a placebo while undergoing brain scans. The goal was to find brain imaging marker…

This study looked at how people aged 18-30 with early psychosis process information about their surroundings, compared to those without a psychiatric diagnosis. Participants completed computer-based tasks and cognitive training. The goal was to better understand thinking patterns…

This completed study looked at how people aged 15-45 with early psychosis process information from their surroundings, compared to healthy young adults. Participants completed computer tasks and had their brain activity measured using EEG and MRI scans. The goal was to better und…

This pilot study tested whether a nurse-led community-based rehabilitation program is feasible and acceptable for people with psychosis in Blantyre, Malawi. Sixty adults with psychosis were randomly assigned to either usual care or the home-based program. The study focused on rec…

This study tested a system where police officers can call a mental health provider during encounters with people who have serious mental illness. The goal was to see if this reduces arrests and helps people stay connected to care. Over 1,400 participants were randomly assigned to…

This study looked at whether using very low nicotine cigarettes along with nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can reduce harmful chemical exposure in smokers with mental health conditions. 88 participants were assigned to different combinations of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The m…