Schizophrenia brain study probes Drug-Free brain activity

NCT ID NCT00001247

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This completed study looked at how the brains of people with schizophrenia work when they are not taking antipsychotic medication. The goal was to tell apart the effects of the illness itself from the effects of the drugs. 648 participants stayed in a hospital and underwent brain scans and tests while temporarily stopping their medication under close medical supervision.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to: If successful, this research could help separate the brain changes caused by schizophrenia from those caused by antipsychotic medications, leading to better understanding of the disease.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It involves temporarily stopping medication, which may worsen symptoms. Results may not apply to all 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.

Psychotic Disorders schizoaffective disorder schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SCHIZOPHRENIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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