RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Social Isolation and Aging in Schizophrenia

This study investigates why people with schizophrenia tend to develop health problems earlier in life than others. It focuses on social isolation, a common feature of schizophrenia, and whether it contributes to these early health issues. Researchers will use existing health records and new assessments from people across Europe and the US who were previously studied when younger. They will compare 500 individuals with schizophrenia with 150 of their unaffected siblings to see how social isolation, aging, and health outcomes are connected. The study also considers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main goal is to understand these factors better, which could lead to new ways to help people with schizophrenia live longer, healthier lives.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Enrolment target

650

Start

09 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2027

Schizophrenia and Related Disorders

What is this study about?

This research aims to understand why people with schizophrenia often face serious health problems and pass away sooner than the general population. While things like smoking and an unhealthy diet play a part, they don't explain everything. This study focuses on an often-overlooked factor: social isolation.

We know that in the general population, not having enough social contact can negatively affect physical health, especially as people get older. Since social isolation is a common experience for individuals with schizophrenia, this study will explore if it contributes to them developing health conditions at an earlier age. Researchers hope that by understanding this connection better, they can help develop new treatments or support systems to improve the long-term health and lifespan of people with schizophrenia.

The study will involve looking at health information collected over many years from people with schizophrenia and their siblings in Europe and the US. They will be comparing records from when participants were younger (ages 20-55) with new information gathered now that they are older (ages 40-70). This approach allows the researchers to track how social isolation and health change over time and whether the COVID-19 pandemic had any additional impact.

Key takeaways

Looks at how social isolation might affect health in schizophrenia.
Compares health over time between people with schizophrenia and their siblings.
Aims to understand why people with schizophrenia develop health issues earlier.
Includes data from Europe and the US.
Could help lead to new ways to improve long-term health for individuals with schizophrenia.
Examines the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be between 40 and 70 years old. An important requirement is that you must have participated in a previous research study at least five years ago, when you were between 20 and 55 years old.

If you have schizophrenia or a related psychotic condition, you would need to have been diagnosed by a doctor. You should also be feeling generally stable, meaning you haven't been in the hospital for your condition in the last three months, and your medication hasn't changed in the past four weeks. You should also not have a history of serious head injury or learning disability.

If you are a sibling of someone with schizophrenia, you would also need to be aged 40-70 and have been part of a previous study. You should not have any major mental health conditions that affect social interaction, and similarly, no history of serious head injury or learning disability. Everyone participating must be able to understand the language spoken in their country of residence for the study.

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 40 and 70 years old?
Did you participate in a research study between ages 20-55, at least 5 years ago?
Do you have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or a related condition, or are you an unaffected sibling?
Are you generally stable (no recent hospital stays or medication changes)?
Can you understand the spoken language of your country well enough for study procedures?
Do you have no history of serious head injury or a learning disability?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves reviewing your existing medical records and potentially having new assessments. Since it's a 'follow-up' study, much of the information will come from previous research you've already participated in. There aren't specific details provided about the number of visits or types of assessments, but it will build on information collected when you were younger. There are no new medications involved, as this is an observational study looking at existing health data. The total duration of your participation isn't specified, but it involves looking at your health history over a significant period. You'll be asked to provide consent for researchers to access your historical data and potentially for new follow-up assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might not directly benefit you personally, but the information collected could help improve understanding and treatment for others with schizophrenia in the future. There are generally very low risks as the study primarily involves reviewing existing health records and potentially observational assessments, not experimental treatments. However, discussing sensitive health information could feel uncomfortable for some. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (4)

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

Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Hartfort
Verified postcode
Hartford, United States· Recruiting
AUMC, University Hospital
Verified postcode
Amsterdam, Netherlands· Recruiting
Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañon
Verified postcode
Madrid, Spain· Recruiting
King's College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to understand if social isolation contributes to health problems in people with schizophrenia as they get older.

Who can take part in this study?

People aged 40-70, who have schizophrenia or are their unaffected siblings, and who previously participated in a research study when they were younger.

Will I have to take new medication?

No, this study does not involve any new medications. It focuses on observing health information and social factors.

What does 'accelerated aging' mean?

It means developing age-related health conditions earlier in life than typically expected.

Will this study look at the impact of COVID-19?

Yes, it will examine how the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns might have affected the health of people with schizophrenia.

How to find out more

Eva Velthorst, PhD

e.velthorst@ggz-nhn.nl +31618644345 Official trial record

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