Brain scans probe why social pleasure fades after psychosis

NCT ID NCT05617898

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

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 performing social reward learning tasks before and after three sessions of motivational interviewing or a control nutrition discussion. The goal is to understand the brain mechanisms behind social withdrawal and identify potential targets for future treatments.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Motivational interviewing (three sessions targeting sensitivity to social reward)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward better ways to treat social withdrawal in people recovering from psychosis.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study focused on understanding brain mechanisms, not testing a treatment. Results may not lead directly to new therapies.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Anhedonia psychotic disorder Psychotic Disorders schizoaffective disorder schizophrenia schizophreniform disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PSYCHOSIS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Alabama at Birmingham
RECRUITING

Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States
University of California Los Angeles
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

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