Talk therapy boosts brain power in schizophrenia patients, study suggests
NCT ID NCT07477301
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether adding structured supportive psychotherapy to the antipsychotic drug risperidone helps improve thinking and reduce inflammation in people with schizophrenia. Forty-six male patients were split into two groups: one received risperidone plus 12 therapy sessions over 6 weeks, the other received risperidone alone. Researchers measured cognitive function and a blood marker of inflammation before and after treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- supportive psychotherapy
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost addition to medication that helps people with schizophrenia think more clearly and reduces inflammation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 46 male patients from one ethnic group, so results may not apply to everyone. The study was also registered after completion, which can introduce bias.
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
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46 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2024
- Finished
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Feb 2025
- 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
-
20 to 45 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- 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: * Male patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-5 criteria * Aged 20-45 years * Disease onset less than one year * Insight level grade 4 * PANSS-EC score 14 or less * Total PANSS score 60-70 * No febrile conditions, jaundice, or hepatosplenomegaly * Willing and able to attend supportive psychotherapy sessions * Receiving risperidone at fixed dose of 4 mg per day * South Sulawesi ethnic origin Exclusion Criteria: * Organic comorbid diseases * History of substance abuse within previous six months except caffeine and nicotine * Comorbid personality disorders * Obesity * Active infectious diseases * Use of anti-inflammatory agents, antibiotics, or antioxidant supplements * Female sex
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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
-
Dadi Psychiatric Hospital
Makassar, South Sulawesi, 90245, Indonesia
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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