Treatment-refractory schizophrenia

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 pilot study is testing a brain implant called deep brain stimulation (DBS) for people with schizophrenia that hasn't improved with standard treatments. The device delivers electrical pulses to specific brain areas to try to reduce psychotic symptoms. Ten participants will be…

This study will enroll 1,000 adults with both opioid use disorder and a mental health condition. Participants will receive standard medication for opioid use disorder, with some also getting a team-based support program called MISSION. The goal is to see if MISSION helps people s…

This study tests a program called Tunawiri (meaning 'thrive') that adds mental health screening, counseling, and support to regular HIV care for pregnant and postpartum women in Kenya. The goal is to improve depression, anxiety, and HIV treatment success. Nine hundred women will …

This study tests a gamified mobile health app designed to reduce suicide risk in adults with mental disorders after they leave the hospital. Researchers will enroll 640 participants in Shenzhen, China, and use game-like features to encourage treatment adherence and follow-up visi…

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 tests whether adding an anti-inflammatory drug to an NMDA-enhancing agent can improve thinking and memory in people with ultra-resistant schizophrenia. About 80 adults who have not responded well to clozapine will receive the combination or a placebo. The goal is to se…

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 looks at whether maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can prevent relapse in people with schizophrenia that doesn't respond to the strongest medications. About 140 participants who improved after a course of ECT will either continue with maintenance ECT or recei…

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 a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS can help people with mental illness quit smoking. Forty daily smokers with psychiatric conditions will receive either TMS or standard care. The goal is to see if TMS is practical and effective in real-…

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 tests whether MitoQ, an antioxidant supplement, can improve thinking and memory in people with early schizophrenia who have signs of mitochondrial dysfunction. Researchers will give 50 participants either MitoQ or a placebo daily for 12 weeks, alongside their usual med…

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 a program called SKILLS that focuses on common factors across different mental health conditions, rather than treating each disorder separately. About 60 adults with stable psychiatric diagnoses will take part. The goal is to see if this approach reduces symptoms…

This study tests an experimental drug called evenamide for people with schizophrenia that hasn't improved with standard antipsychotics. About 400 adults will receive either evenamide or a placebo added to their current medication for 12 weeks. The goal is to see if evenamide redu…

This study tests whether adding a trauma-focused therapy called EMDR to usual care can help reduce trauma symptoms in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Many people with these conditions have experienced trauma, which can make their illness worse, but trauma treatment …

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 program called SUPERCEDE, which provides intensive case management to veterans who are at risk for suicide and receive care both from the VA and outside community providers. The goal is to improve care coordination, reduce suicidal thoughts, and improve daily f…

This pilot study tests whether adding ear acupressure (small seeds taped to ear points) to standard nicotine patches or gum can reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and anxiety in psychiatric inpatients who must stop smoking during their hospital stay. Sixty participants will be…

This small pilot study tests whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can reduce apathy in people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Ten participants will receive rTMS, some also taking the medication methyl…

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 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 is testing whether a virtual reality version of a therapy exercise is practical and helpful for adults (ages 18-65) with psychiatric disorders. Participants will try one VR session and answer questions about their experience. The goal is to see if this approach is acce…

This study tests an AI chatbot called Aurora that guides people through creating a personal life story to improve emotional well-being and identity. It includes healthy adults, adults with mental health conditions in residential care, and older adults aged 65+. The chatbot is not…

This study tests whether adding a second drug that boosts NMDA receptors to a sigma-1 receptor agonist can better reduce schizophrenia symptoms than the sigma-1 drug alone. About 90 adults with schizophrenia who did not improve on at least two antipsychotics will take the combina…

This study is testing a type of talk therapy called Emotion Regulation Therapy (ERT) delivered over video for people in New York who struggle with worry, overthinking, or being hard on themselves. The goal is to see if the therapy helps people better manage their emotions and fee…

This study looks at how well and how safely a new sleep medication, lemborexant, works for people who have both a mental health condition and trouble sleeping. About 121 adults will take the drug for 8 weeks, and researchers will track changes in their sleep quality and any side …

This study looks at whether watching Netflix or Disney shows in a small group for 90 minutes each week, over 6 weeks, can improve emotional awareness and reduce anxiety and depression. About 70 adults who have been in mental health treatment for at least 6 months will take part. …

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 study tests a multi-sensory therapy called Heal, which uses calming sounds, gentle vibrations, and soft lighting to help detained youth (ages 12-18) manage their emotions before counseling sessions. The goal is to see if this brief, non-verbal intervention improves emotional…

This study tests whether sailing can help people with psychiatric disorders feel better. Forty adults in France will either take sailing lessons or continue their usual care. Researchers will measure changes in quality of life, mental well-being, and self-esteem to see if sailing…

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 study tests whether brief high-intensity exercise is better than standard high-intensity training for people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Fifty participants will follow one of the two programs for 26 weeks. The main goal is to see which program people stick with l…

This study tests if a liquid medicine called midazolam can help elderly patients with moderate to severe memory problems who refuse care. About 30 hospitalized patients will receive the medicine before care to see if it reduces their resistance. The goal is to make necessary care…

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 an oxytocin nasal spray, given before mindfulness-based group therapy, can reduce negative symptoms in people with schizophrenia. Negative symptoms include lack of motivation, social withdrawal, and reduced emotional expression. The trial will compare two…

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 study will carefully examine the physical and mental health of 100 adults admitted to NHS mental health wards. Researchers will review medical notes, do physical exams, and use questionnaires to measure conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and persona…

This study compares two ways to help adults with mental health issues get follow-up care. One group gets usual care after an emergency room visit, while the other uses a new system that books a psychiatrist appointment within 48 hours through their general doctor. Researchers wil…

This study looks at whether a tool called the Decision Helper helps people with mental health conditions take a more active role in choosing their treatment. About 62 adults in Danish outpatient mental health clinics will have their consultations recorded and analyzed. The goal i…

This study looks at the mental health of 200 teenagers aged 12 to 16 who attend special educational institutes (ITEPs) in France. Researchers will use psychiatric interviews to find out how many have conditions like depression or anxiety. The goal is to better understand their ne…

This study aims to improve suicide prevention for people who move between healthcare and the criminal-legal system. Researchers will link health records, Medicaid data, and jail booking information to identify individuals at risk and coordinate care. Over 1,000 adults with past p…

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 investigates whether abnormal insulin action in the brain contributes to cognitive and metabolic problems in schizophrenia. Twenty participants (some with schizophrenia, some healthy) will receive either intranasal insulin or a placebo before a PET scan that measures b…

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 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 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 looks at how to measure cardiorespiratory fitness in people with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Researchers will compare three different fitness tests in 50 patients and 25 healthy volunteers. The goal is to find a simple, accurate wa…

This study is testing a new, non-invasive ultrasound technique called Tissue Pulsatility Imaging (TPI) to measure tiny brain movements. Researchers will compare these measurements in 300 people with mild versus major cognitive disorders. The goal is to see if brain pulse patterns…

This study looks at how people with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders update their beliefs after treatment for persecutory delusions. Researchers will use therapy, brain scans, and learning tasks to see if treatment changes how the brain responds to uncertainty. The goal is to bet…

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 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 looks at whether a program with a nurse case manager can help people leaving prison visit a doctor or clinic instead of the emergency room. About 488 adults with a history of substance use and a chronic health condition will take part. Some will get extra support from …

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 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 looks at whether a recovery-focused program can help people with severe mental illness living in supported housing. About 72 participants will either receive the new program or standard care. The goal is to see if focusing on personal goals improves daily functioning a…

This pilot study is testing whether two established trauma therapies—Prolonged Exposure and EMDR—can be safely used in young adults with psychotic disorders who also have PTSD symptoms. Twenty participants from the OPUS early-intervention program will receive one of the therapies…

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 is creating a program called START-VET to help veterans with mental illness or substance use disorders who have recently left prison. Researchers will work with 20 veterans to develop transition materials and tools. The goal is to improve quality of life and reduce cri…

This observational study follows 300 adults receiving strategic psychotherapy—a short-term, goal-focused talk therapy—in private practice. Participants fill out questionnaires about their symptoms and well-being before and after treatment. The goal is to see if this therapy leads…

This pilot study is testing whether a simple saliva test can help doctors prescribe mental health medications more safely and effectively. 200 adults in Manitoba who are starting or changing psychiatric drugs will provide a DNA sample. The results will be shared with their doctor…

This study looks at whether training psychiatric care teams to talk about sexual health with young patients (ages 15 and up) increases those conversations. Researchers will survey 770 teens hospitalized for psychiatric disorders about their sexual health and any side effects from…