Could a common ADHD drug boost brain power in schizophrenia?
NCT ID NCT05414058
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 4 times
Summary
This study tested whether adding a long-acting stimulant (methylphenidate) to regular antipsychotic medication can improve thinking and daily function in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Thirty-five adults who were stable on their current treatment took the drug for a period, and researchers measured changes using a virtual reality test of daily living skills and a cognitive assessment. The goal was to see if this approach is safe and effective for treating negative and cognitive symptoms that often persist despite standard care.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- methylphenidate extended-release (a stimulant medication)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to improve thinking and daily living skills in people with schizophrenia.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 35 people. Stimulants may worsen psychosis, so results may not be safe or effective for everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
-
35 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Sep 2022
- Finished
-
Sep 2024
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 55 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: * Adult between the ages of 18-55; we chose an upper age limit of 55 years to exclude patients with potential age-related cognitive impairments which usually occur about a decade earlier in patients with schizophrenia * Inpatient or outpatient with schizophrenia spectrum illness, on any antipsychotic medication * Clinically stable for the past 4 weeks * Able to communicate in English Exclusion Criteria: * Have known sensitivity to methylphenidate ER, as documented in the electronic medical record OR, as reported by the patient AND verified by pharmacy * Have had treatment with ECT in the past 6 months * Have a history of traumatic brain injury * Have a contraindication to psychostimulants including: 1. Uncontrolled hypertension 2. Significant cardiovascular abnormality including history of cardiac interventions, history of myocardial infarction, unstable arrhythmia, congenital heart disease 3. Known family history of premature cardiac death (for males \<45, females \<55) 4. Known history of glaucoma * Are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant- a rapid urine pregnancy test will be done for female participants, and a refusal to take the test or a positive test will exclude the participant * Have a diagnosis of substance induced psychosis * Have any of the following diagnoses: neurodevelopmental delay, intellectual disability or neurocognitive disorder (dementia) * Have a diagnosis of another currently significant and unstable psychiatric condition (i.e. depressive episode, active substance use disorder, etc.) * Have a history of previous safety concerns directly driven by positive symptoms (e.g history of suicide attempt as directed by auditory hallucinations) * Have current active suicidality
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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
-
Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
Ottawa, Ontario, K1Z 7K4, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can talk therapy and social coaching ease early psychosis?
- Brain training may reshape brain chemistry in schizophrenia
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- A gentle brain zap might boost medication adherence in schizophrenia
- Can sound and light waves calm the mind in schizophrenia?