RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Early Psychosis: Investigating Cognition

This study is looking at changes in brain chemistry in people who have recently experienced psychosis. Researchers think that a brain chemical called glutamate might behave differently in people with psychosis, and that this could be linked to challenges with memory and attention. The study will try to understand these links. It will also see if a gentle brain stimulation technique, called tDCS, which uses very weak electrical currents, could help. This stimulation has been shown to temporarily change brain chemistry. The study aims to find out if glutamate levels can help predict whether this stimulation would be helpful for a person, leading to more tailored treatments. The study also wants to hear about the personal experiences and challenges faced by people with psychosis, especially regarding memory and attention.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

106

Start

09 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2027

First Episode Psychosis (FEP)Psychosis

What is this study about?

This research project wants to understand more about the brain in people who have recently experienced psychosis. The main idea is that certain chemicals in the brain, especially one called glutamate, might work differently in people who have had psychosis compared to those who haven't. They also know that some people with psychosis find it harder to do tasks that need good memory and attention. This study aims to connect these two ideas: how brain chemistry is linked to memory and attention, and if these links are different in people with and without psychosis.

The study will also look at a gentle way to stimulate the brain using very small electrical currents. This technique, called tDCS, has been used to help people with psychosis and other conditions by temporarily changing brain chemistry. It doesn't work for everyone, though. An important part of this research is to see if the levels of glutamate in a person's brain can tell us whether this brain stimulation would be helpful for them. This could eventually lead to more personalised treatments, meaning doctors could better decide if this stimulation is right for a particular person.

Finally, the researchers want to hear directly from people who have experienced psychosis about their challenges and day-to-day experiences. This includes understanding their difficulties with memory and attention. They also want to know what people think about brain scans and brain stimulation, and why someone might not want to take part in these kinds of studies. This will help scientists understand how to make research and treatments better and more acceptable for everyone.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand how brain chemistry, especially glutamate, is linked to memory and attention in psychosis.
It will explore if gentle brain stimulation (tDCS) can help and if glutamate levels can predict its success.
The research includes MRI scans, brain stimulation, and tests for memory and attention.
Personal experiences of people with psychosis are a key part of the study through interviews.
The goal is to develop more personalised and effective treatments for psychosis.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be between 18 and 55 years old and be able to understand the study information and provide your consent. You should also be fluent in English.

For those who have experienced psychosis, you must have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe depression with psychosis) for less than five years. You should also have been on a stable treatment for at least eight weeks and be able to travel to the University of Nottingham for tests.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you have certain neurological problems, a history of a significant head injury, or currently use psychoactive substances (other than nicotine). You also can't take part if you have things that stop you from having an MRI scan (like certain metal implants or severe claustrophobia) or brain stimulation (like a pacemaker or a history of seizures).

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 55 years old?
Can you understand written and spoken English well?
If you have psychosis, was it diagnosed less than 5 years ago?
Have you been on stable treatment for your condition for at least 8 weeks?
Do you have any metal implants or a pacemaker?
Can you comfortably stay still in an MRI scanner and travel to Nottingham?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll have a few visits to the University of Nottingham. These visits will involve MRI scans to look at your brain chemistry, especially levels of glutamate, and brain stimulation sessions using tDCS. This stimulation involves placing small electrodes on your head to deliver very weak electrical currents. You will likely have two stimulation sessions close together during one visit to see the maximum effect. You will also complete tasks designed to test your memory and attention, and fill out questionnaires. Some participants will also be asked to take part in an interview to share their personal experiences with psychosis, memory, attention, and their thoughts on brain imaging and stimulation. The exact number of visits and the total duration aren't fully detailed, but it's important to understand you'll need to travel for in-person testing.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of participating include contributing to the understanding of psychosis and potentially helping to develop more personalised treatments in the future. You might learn more about your own brain too. Potential risks are generally low; tDCS is considered safe, but some people might experience mild skin irritation under the electrodes or a temporary tingling sensation. MRI scans are also generally safe, but some people can feel claustrophobic or experience discomfort from the noise. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your current or future medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Nottingham
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a mental health problem where a person loses some contact with reality. This can involve seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations) or having strong beliefs that aren't true (delusions).

What is tDCS?

tDCS stands for transcranial direct current stimulation. It's a non-invasive treatment that uses a very mild electrical current delivered through electrodes placed on your scalp to influence brain activity.

What is glutamate?

Glutamate is a natural chemical in your brain, called a neurotransmitter, that helps your brain cells communicate with each other. It's important for learning and memory.

Will this study cure my psychosis?

No, this is a research study to understand psychosis better and explore new treatment ideas. It's not designed to be a cure, but the findings could lead to better treatments in the future.

Do I have to go to Nottingham?

Yes, to be part of this study, you would need to be able to travel to the University of Nottingham for all the in-person testing, including brain scans and stimulation sessions.

How to find out more

Claudia Danielmeier, PhD

claudia.danielmeier@nottingham.ac.uk +44 115 84 66360 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.