Could a nasal insulin spray rewire the brain in psychosis?

NCT ID NCT07252752

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Medical University of Vienna Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study investigates how insulin delivered through the nose changes dopamine signaling and energy use in the brains of people with first-episode psychosis. Researchers will compare brain scans and chemical levels in 46 participants (patients and healthy volunteers) after receiving insulin or a placebo. The goal is to understand the overlap between metabolic and psychiatric symptoms, not to treat the condition directly.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: intranasal insulin
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal a link between insulin and dopamine in psychosis, pointing toward new treatment targets for schizophrenia.
What could go wrong: This is an early, small imaging study (46 people) that measures brain activity, not symptoms. It may not lead to any direct treatment or benefit for patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

schizophrenia schizophreniform disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

FIRST EPISODE PSYCHOSIS (FEP)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Medical University of Vienna

Vienna, 1090, Austria

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.