Schizoaffective disorder

This study compares a new, lower-energy seizure therapy (LAP-ST) to standard electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for quickly reducing suicidal thoughts in people with depression, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder. The goal is to see if the gentler approach works just as w…

This study tests a program called LAGOM designed to improve heart health and quality of life for people with psychotic disorders. 644 adults from six clinics in Gothenburg will either receive the LAGOM program or standard care. The program includes regular check-ups, motivational…

This study tests whether combining yoga with a mild electrical brain stimulation technique, called tDCS, can improve thinking and memory in people with psychosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS during yoga or a sham (inactive) version, and re…

This study tests whether combining aerobic exercise with computerized cognitive training, both delivered via telehealth, can improve thinking and motivation in people who have recently experienced a first episode of schizophrenia. About 100 participants will receive cognitive tra…

This study is for people aged 18-35 experiencing their first episode of psychosis. Researchers will use genetic tests and MRI brain scans to see if certain markers can predict which antipsychotic drug (aripiprazole, risperidone, or clozapine) will work best. The goal is to improv…

This study tests a Transition Care Team (TCT) designed to help people with first episode psychosis successfully move from hospital to outpatient mental health services. The TCT provides short-term support including therapy, case management, and coordination with community program…

This study tests whether adding a four-week aerobic exercise program to a new antipsychotic medication (olanzapine-samidorphan) can prevent the early weight gain often seen with these drugs. Thirty adults with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder will take…

This study looks at whether stopping unnecessary anticholinergic drugs (benztropine or trihexyphenidyl) can improve thinking, quality of life, and brain function in people aged 40-70 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Participants will either stay on their medication…

This study tests whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help people with schizophrenia whose symptoms haven't improved with medication. First, doctors map the brain using electrodes to find the problem areas. Then, they implant a device that delivers mild electrical pulses to t…

This study tests whether adding sodium benzoate—a substance that affects brain glutamate—to standard antipsychotic medication can improve symptoms and thinking in people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. About 90 adults who have not responded well to at least two antipsycho…

This study tests whether valbenazine can reduce involuntary muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia) in adults who still have symptoms while taking or after stopping another similar drug. About 50 people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression will take valbenazine…

This study tests whether using a person's genetic information to guide medication choices leads to better recovery for people with mood, anxiety, or psychotic disorders. Over 2,500 participants will receive either standard care or personalized medication advice based on their gen…

This study tests whether adding lumateperone (Caplyta) to clozapine can reduce common side effects like weight gain and high blood sugar in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Fifty participants will take either lumateperone or a placebo for 12 weeks while cont…

This study compares clozapine and risperidone in people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar I disorder with psychosis. Researchers want to see if a specific brain biotype (Biotype-1) responds better to clozapine. About 320 participants will be randomly assign…

This study is testing whether clozapine, a medication for schizophrenia, can reduce violent acts better than other antipsychotic drugs. Researchers will enroll 280 people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who have been violent in the past six months. Participants wil…

This study looks at whether taking antipsychotic medication every other day is as effective as taking it daily for people with schizophrenia. 120 participants will be randomly assigned to either daily dosing or every-other-day dosing for one year. The goal is to see if extended d…

This study is testing whether a daily synbiotic supplement (a mix of probiotics and prebiotics) can reduce symptoms of schizophrenia when taken alongside standard antipsychotic medications. Researchers are enrolling 68 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who hav…

This study tests whether ocrelizumab, a drug that suppresses certain immune cells, can reduce psychosis symptoms in people whose schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may be caused by auto-antibodies attacking brain receptors. Forty participants aged 18–35 will receive either ocreliz…

This study tests whether matching specific weight-loss medications (Wegovy, Contrave, or Qsymia) to a person's obesity type (e.g., 'hungry brain' or 'emotional hunger') helps people with bipolar disorder lose weight safely. One hundred adults with bipolar or schizoaffective disor…

This study tests whether adding five extra services—like peer support, digital outreach, and group therapy—to standard care helps people with early psychosis stay in treatment longer. About 350 participants will either receive standard care or the enhanced program. Researchers wi…

This study compares Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) to standard Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in 80 people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. MST uses magnetic pulses to trigger a controlled seizure, aiming to ease symptoms like hallucinations an…

This study tests whether giving stronger medications earlier can help people with schizophrenia, major depression, or bipolar depression who did not get better with their first treatment. Over 1,200 participants will receive either standard second-line treatment or an intensified…

This pilot study tests whether a portable, at-home brain stimulation device (tDCS) can help people with depression maintain the improvements they achieved during hospital treatment with esketamine, rTMS, or ECT. Thirty adults will use the device for 30 minutes a day, five days a …

This study tests a new treatment called magnetic seizure therapy (MST) for people with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. MST uses magnetic pulses to trigger a controlled seizure in the brain, aiming to improve symptoms when added to standard antipsychotic medications. The t…

This study looks at whether giving a more powerful medication sooner can help people with schizophrenia who did not get better on their first treatment. About 418 adults will either receive the usual second-line treatment or an early intensified approach. The goal is to see if th…

This study tests if a daily probiotic powder can prevent or reduce weight gain, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol caused by certain antipsychotic drugs. About 112 adults starting or recently starting olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, or clozapine will take either the prob…

This study tests whether a ketogenic diet (high fat, low carb) can improve brain energy and reduce psychiatric symptoms in people with early bipolar disorder. Fifty participants will follow either the ketogenic diet or standard dietary guidelines for 12 weeks. Researchers will me…

This early-stage trial tests BXCL501, a dissolving film placed under the tongue, to quickly reduce agitation in children and teens aged 10-17 with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. About 140 participants will receive either the drug or a placebo. The study measures changes in ag…

This study tests SloMo, a digital therapy that helps people with psychosis who fear harm from others. It combines face-to-face sessions with a mobile app to help users notice worries and slow down fast thinking. 150 participants across three NHS trusts will try the therapy, with …

This trial tests whether a smartphone app called AffectUs can help people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder better recognize emotions and interpret social situations. Participants use the app for 10 weeks, five times a week, while continuing their usual treatment. Th…

This study tests a program called SUPPORT, where trained peer specialists (fellow veterans) help veterans with serious mental illness (like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) who are at high risk for suicide. Together, they create a personalized recovery plan that includes coping…

This study tests whether acetazolamide, a drug currently used for altitude sickness and glaucoma, can reduce positive symptoms (like hallucinations or delusions) in people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Sixty adults aged 18-55 who still have significant symptoms despite …

This study tests whether yoga-based exercises can help veterans with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar 1 disorder improve their ability to function in daily life—like socializing, working, and managing leisure activities. About 112 veterans will be randomly assi…

This study tests whether a virtual reality mindfulness app can help people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder control impulsive aggression. About 58 participants will use the VR app or do distraction tasks, and have their brain activity measured with fMRI. The goal is…

This study tests whether infliximab, an anti-inflammatory drug used for arthritis, can improve motivation and brain activity in people with schizophrenia who have high inflammation. Sixty adults with schizophrenia will receive either infliximab or a placebo, and researchers will …

This study tests whether low-intensity ultrasound, aimed at the brain, is safe and could help with schizophrenia symptoms. Eighty adults with schizophrenia will receive the non-invasive treatment. Researchers will check safety and look for any improvements in mood, thinking, and …

This study tests whether bazedoxifene, a drug that mimics estrogen, can help reduce schizophrenia symptoms in women when added to their usual antipsychotic medication. 160 women aged 18-65 with schizophrenia or related disorders will receive either bazedoxifene or a placebo daily…

This study tests whether learning music—rhythm, singing, and body movements—can improve attention and thinking in people with schizophrenia. About 120 adults with stable schizophrenia will take part. The goal is to see if music-based training is a more engaging and effective way …

This study tests a 6-week group therapy program for adults with schizophrenia or related disorders. The therapy focuses on changing negative core beliefs (like feeling worthless or that others are dangerous) using compassion-focused techniques. The goal is to see if this approach…

This study tests a virtual reality program designed to help people with psychosis improve their thinking and social skills. The program was created with input from patients and doctors. Researchers will see if it is practical and helpful for daily life. The study involves 52 adul…

This study tests a brief, virtual cognitive remediation therapy (Action-Based Cognitive Remediation) for young people aged 16-30 with early psychosis who also misuse alcohol or cannabis. The therapy aims to improve thinking skills and reduce substance use. Researchers will enroll…

This study tests whether cromoglicate, a nasal spray used for allergies, can improve symptoms in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Researchers will give 160 adults either the active spray or a placebo, in addition to their usual medication. The goal is to see…

This study tests whether a smartphone app called Kiso Mind is acceptable and helpful for people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Sixty participants will either use the app plus their usual treatment, or just usual treatment alone, for 12 weeks. Researchers will mea…

This study tests a smartphone app called mSITE that encourages people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder to have more social interactions. Researchers will track participants' social activity and symptoms over time. The goal is to see if the app helps reduce social wi…

This study tests a quick, 5-day brain stimulation treatment for the 'negative symptoms' of schizophrenia, like low motivation and social withdrawal. 75 adults with stable schizophrenia will get either real or fake (placebo) stimulation. The goal is to see if this approach is safe…

This study tests whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help veterans with serious mental illness (like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) who also have chronic low back pain. Researchers will measure changes in pain interference, quality of life, and pain severity after …

This study tests a therapy called Targeted Cognitive Training (TCT) for veterans with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. The goal is to improve thinking skills and daily functioning by using EEG brain scans to identify who will benefit most. A…

This study tests a community-based cognitive remediation program for adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Participants do computer exercises and group sessions to improve memory, problem-solving, and social skills. The goal is to see if this helps them function …

This study tests whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can reduce depression in people with schizophrenia. About 180 adults will receive rTMS to the left prefrontal cortex. Researchers will measure changes in mood, thinking, and other symptoms over time.

This study tests whether a type of talk therapy focused on sleep (CBT-I) can improve sleep, reduce psychotic symptoms, and enhance quality of life in people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. About 60 adults with chronic psychosis and long-term sleep problems will receive ei…

This phase 3 trial tests whether adding cannabidiol (CBD) to standard treatment can improve symptoms, thinking, and inflammation in people with early psychosis. About 120 adolescents and adults will receive either CBD or a placebo for 8 weeks. Researchers will also explore what f…

This pilot study tests a new type of talking therapy designed for people with early psychosis who experience 'self-disorders' — a feeling of being disconnected from themselves. Eight adults with schizophrenia or psychosis risk will receive the therapy and then be interviewed abou…

This study tests whether physical activity in green outdoor spaces reduces negative symptoms (like lack of motivation or social withdrawal) in people with schizophrenia more than indoor exercise. 45 adults aged 18-55 with persistent negative symptoms will participate. Researchers…

This pilot study is testing a new approach called MI-CBTech that combines in-person counseling with a mobile phone app to help homeless veterans who have serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia. The goal is to help them set and achieve personal goals for community integration…

This study tests a 12-week group therapy program called Motivation Skills Training for people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The goal is to see if it improves motivation, goal attainment, and quality of life compared to a control group focused on healthy behavior…

This study is testing a new social skills training program for Veterans with serious mental illness (like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or PTSD) who are looking for work. The program teaches skills to better understand social cues and handle workplace relationships. Researcher…

This study tests whether real-time fMRI neurofeedback can help people with schizophrenia who still hear voices despite medication. Participants learn to control their own brain activity while inside an MRI scanner, aiming to reduce the brain signals linked to auditory hallucinati…

This pilot study will compare the Clubhouse Model—a structured, community-based program where members work together to run the clubhouse—to standard outpatient care for adults with schizophrenia. Researchers will measure changes in thinking, daily functioning, and brain activity …

This study investigates whether markers of inflammation in the blood could serve as diagnostic or severity biomarkers across several psychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depressive episodes with psychotic features. Researchers will collect blood …

This study investigates whether reduced sensitivity to social rewards contributes to social anhedonia—a lack of pleasure from social interactions—in people who have recently experienced their first episode of psychosis. Participants, aged 18 to 35, will undergo brain scans while …

This study looks at whether a single dose of modafinil or D-serine can improve decision-making and thinking in people who have had psychosis for less than five years. Twenty-four participants will play computer brain games and have brain scans before and after taking the drugs. T…

This study investigates whether early-detection programs for psychosis can reduce the time people live with untreated symptoms and whether that leads to better long-term functioning. Researchers will follow adults newly diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders in two Danis…

This study looks at how feeling lonely and being socially isolated affect the brain and daily life in people with serious mental illnesses like psychosis or schizophrenia. Researchers will use surveys, daily diaries, and brain scans to understand these connections. The goal is to…

This study will use brain scans (PET/MRI) to see how the drug Cobenfy affects dopamine in the brains of 12 people with schizophrenia. Participants will take one of three doses of Cobenfy for 5 weeks and get a brain scan before and after treatment. The goal is to understand how th…

This study investigates whether microRNAs found in brain-derived particles in the blood can serve as biomarkers for schizophrenia. Researchers will compare blood samples from 80 people recently diagnosed with first-episode schizophrenia and 80 healthy volunteers, tracking changes…

This study follows 178 people who had a first episode of psychosis to see how early treatment choices and relapses affect their thinking, daily life, and mental health over 20 years. Participants attend one interview to assess symptoms, thinking skills, and functioning. The goal …

This study tests whether a 3-day training program called REFOCUS helps mental health teams provide care that supports personal recovery. About 760 people with severe mental disorders (like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) will take part across 18 centers. Researchers will measu…

This study looks at brain activity during sleep in people with early-course schizophrenia compared to healthy individuals. Researchers will play soft tones during deep sleep using a wearable headband to see if it can strengthen sleep-related brain waves and improve memory. The go…

This study is testing whether subtle changes in how people speak can predict who will develop schizophrenia. Researchers will record and analyze free speech from 215 young people aged 15-30 who are at ultra-high risk for psychosis. By using computer programs to detect semantic an…

This study explores whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called rTMS can reduce cannabis cravings in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Researchers will compare brain activity changes in 100 participants, including healthy cannabis users. The goa…

This study looks at how stopping cannabis use for 28 days changes brain activity and memory in people with psychosis and in cannabis users without psychosis. Participants are randomly assigned to either quit cannabis or continue using, and undergo brain scans before and after the…

This study investigates how the brain chemical glutamate relates to memory and attention in people who have recently experienced psychosis. Researchers will use brain scans and a mild electrical stimulation technique called tDCS to see if glutamate levels can predict who responds…

This study uses a special PET scan tracer called [11-C]OMAR to measure cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Researchers will compare healthy volunteers to people with schizophrenia, cannabis dependence, PTSD, opioid use disorder, and other conditions. The goal is to understand how…

This study looks at how being in a hot room affects the body, thinking, and mood of people with schizophrenia. Ten adults with and without schizophrenia will sit in a warm or very hot room for six hours, doing light activity. The goal is to learn how heat impacts them so we can c…

This study creates a registry of brain scans, thinking tests, and blood samples from 1,000 people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or no mental illness. Researchers use MRI to compare brain activity and connections between groups while performing memory tasks. The go…

People with serious mental illness often have undiagnosed physical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This study tests whether adding routine physical health checks to psychiatric care helps find and treat these hidden illnesses. About 2,800 adults in Denmark wi…

This study explores whether a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp (tDCS) can improve attention, learning, and memory in people with schizophrenia. Researchers will compare stimulation during a task versus rest, and front versus back of the head. They will also measure …

This study looks at language difficulties in people with psychosis, including those at risk, experiencing a first episode, or diagnosed with schizophrenia. Researchers will give a full language test to 90 patients and compare results with a healthy control group. The goal is to b…

This study investigates how the immune system influences psychotic symptoms and response to antipsychotic medication. Researchers will collect blood and spinal fluid from 500 participants, including those starting or changing antipsychotics and healthy controls. The goal is to fi…

This study uses brain imaging (fMRI) to investigate why people with schizophrenia or depression often have trouble with memory and managing emotions. Researchers will scan the brains of 90 adults aged 18-60 while they perform tasks and at rest. The goal is to better understand th…

This study explores whether a non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation technique (TMS) can temporarily improve how quickly people with psychotic disorders (like schizophrenia or bipolar) solve problems. About 95 participants will do thinking tasks and get brain scans before and af…

This study looks at how attention and thinking strategies influence decision-making and brain activity in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder compared to healthy volunteers. Participants will use a positive thinking strategy during a gambling task while having t…

This study tests whether a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp (tDCS) can improve how people with schizophrenia recognize emotions in faces. Researchers will use brain scans to see if the stimulation changes activity in motion-processing areas. The goal is to understan…

This study looks at 320 people with early psychosis to see if brain scans, eye-tracking, and electrical brain waves can predict how well they respond to treatment. Participants will have four visits over a year, including interviews, memory tests, and optional DNA samples. The go…

This study uses a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS to see if it can change brain activity in people with schizophrenia. Researchers will measure brain waves before and after stimulation to understand how the hippocampus works in this condition. The goal is not …

This study tests whether learning to play a music video game like Guitar Hero can strengthen the brain's white matter in people with schizophrenia. White matter helps different brain regions communicate quickly, and it is often impaired in schizophrenia, leading to slower thinkin…

This study looks at whether social isolation contributes to the early health problems seen in people with schizophrenia, who often die 10–20 years earlier than others. Researchers will follow 650 participants (500 with schizophrenia and 150 siblings) aged 40–70, tracking medical …

This study tests whether analyzing speech recordings with artificial intelligence can help predict when someone with psychosis might relapse. About 360 participants, including people with psychosis and healthy volunteers, will provide weekly voice samples and answer questions via…

This study uses a special brain scan (PET) to measure the density of connections between brain cells in people with psychotic disorders (like schizophrenia) or cannabis use disorder, compared to healthy volunteers. The goal is to understand how brain connection changes relate to …

This study is following 200 children and teens (ages 7-20) who have experienced psychosis to see if they fall into distinct subgroups. Researchers will use interviews, brain scans, and genetic tests to classify participants. The goal is to see if these subgroups predict how well …

This study tests a program called iTEST for people with schizophrenia or related disorders. The program combines daily brain-training exercises on a mobile device with coaching to help participants more accurately judge their own skills. Researchers want to see if this improves h…

This study uses a noninvasive technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to understand how hallucinations work in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Researchers will stimulate a specific brain circuit and measure changes in brain connectivity and…

This study is looking at 200 people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who are starting clozapine. Researchers will measure immune markers in blood and spinal fluid, brain scans, and other tests before and after 12 weeks of treatment. The goal is to find biological signs that…

This study looks at 30 adults with psychotic disorders who are stable on long-term antipsychotics and want to reduce or stop their medication. Researchers will describe real-life cases to understand what works, what doesn't, and the risks of relapse. The goal is to learn practica…

This study is testing a new questionnaire called ESSME that is given to people with schizophrenia at their homes. The goal is to see if this home-based assessment can better capture their real-life needs compared to standard methods. 56 participants will be followed for 6 months …

This study is testing whether MRI brain scans can help predict which patients having their first psychotic episode will not respond to standard treatment. Researchers will scan 80 people aged 18-35 with schizophrenia or related disorders who have never taken antipsychotic medicat…

This study tests a program called PRESTO that aims to identify and treat first-episode psychosis sooner. The program educates the public, trains frontline workers like doctors and teachers, and provides a mobile team to connect patients to care. Researchers will measure whether t…

This study looks at whether teaching families skills to support young adults with psychosis can reduce stress for caregivers and help patients stay stable. About 113 family members will attend 9 weekly classes led by experts. Researchers will measure family burden, patient sympto…

This study looks at how the brain processes visual information in people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder. Researchers will use a non-invasive EEG cap to measure brain waves while participants view simple visual patterns. The goal is to find early…

This study aims to create brain-based tools to identify which veterans with chronic psychosis are most likely to benefit from cognitive rehabilitation. Researchers will use EEG recordings to measure brain activity and see if these signals can predict improvements in thinking skil…

This study looks at how common sleep apnea is in people hospitalized with schizophrenia and whether it affects their mental health. Researchers will use a special ring and a fiber-optic mat to track breathing during sleep without any wires or uncomfortable equipment. The goal is …

This study looks at whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS can change the density of synapses (connections between brain cells) in people with schizophrenia. Researchers will use special PET scans to measure these changes in 20 participants. The goal is to under…