Brain scans reveal hidden differences in schizophrenia
NCT ID NCT00004571
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 28, 2026 · Updated 10 times
Summary
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 schizophrenia, not to test a treatment.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
-
3,273 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2000
- Lead sponsor
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A government research agency
The lead sponsor is the US National Institutes of Health.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Patients with schizophrenia and healthy subjects from the community.
- Ages
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18 to 120 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: CONTROLS: No psychiatric or severe chronic medical illness at the time of the study, and by history. This includes the absence of substance abuse histories, learning disabilities and all DSM IV disorders. The investigators will evaluate medical histories and medical conditions that are judged not to interfere with the study may be allowed. No use of psychotropic substances in the last 3 months. There is no upper age limit. The lower age limit is 18 years. Controls will all have the capacity to consent. PATIENTS: Schizophrenia, any subtype or schizo-affective disorder according to DSM IV . Bipolar Disorder with Psychotic Features according to DSM IV. Menstrually-Related Mood Disorder. Mild to Moderate Parkinson's Disease (Hoehn and Yahr Stage 1-3). Williams Syndrome (partial or full) with IQ in the normal range. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: CONTROLS AND PATIENTS: Impaired hearing. Pregnancy. Head trauma with loss of consciousness in the last year, or any evidence of functional impairment due to and persisting after head trauma. Patients or healthy volunteers with a known risk from exposure to high magnetic fields (e.g. patients with pace makers) and those who have metallic implants (e.g. braces) in the head region (likely to create artifact on the MRI scans) will be excluded from participating in the fMRI studies. History of any (excepting nicotine-related) DSM5-defined moderate to severe substance use disorder (or DSM-IV-defined substance dependence). Cumulative lifetime history of any (excepting nicotine-related) DSM5-defined mild substance use disorder (or any DSM-IV-defined substance abuse), either in excess of 5 years total or not in remission for at least 6 months. NIMH employees and staff and their immediate family members will be excluded from the study per NIMH policy. Non-NIMH NIH employees and staff may participate and will be given the NIH Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for NIH Staff Who are Considering Participation in NIH Research. PATIENTS: Coexistence of another major mental illness at the time of the study. If the patients experienced other mental illnesses in the past (e.g. a learning disability or major depression), then this should be judged to be fully recovered. Major concurrent medical illness likely to interfere with the acquisition of the task. Concomitant medications which could interfere with performance on the task. Involuntary movements that interfere with positioning in the MRI scanner).
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
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