RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Investigation of Neurophysiological Markers, Possibly Specific of Two Subforms of Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia and similar mental health conditions can be very different from person to person. This study aims to help understand these differences better. We are focusing on two particular types of psychotic disorders, called hebephrenia and periodic catatonia, which were first described many years ago but haven't been fully studied with modern science. The main purpose is to compare people with these two conditions, and healthy volunteers, to see if there are clear differences in their symptoms, how they think, and their brain activity using special scans. Our hope is that by finding these differences, we can one day develop more specific and effective treatments for individuals, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Strasbourg, France

Enrolment target

Start

28 Feb 2019

Estimated completion

02 Feb 2027

Schizophrenia

What is this study about?

Imagine different types of apples – they are all apples, but some are sweet, some are tart, and they each have their own unique qualities. Mental health conditions like schizophrenia can be a bit like that. Currently, doctors group many different symptoms and experiences under the same name. We believe that by understanding if there are distinct ‘types’ or ‘subforms’ of these conditions, we can get closer to understanding what causes them and, most importantly, finding more personalised and effective treatments for each person.

This research focuses on two specific types of psychotic disorders that doctors noticed decades ago: hebephrenia and periodic catatonia. While doctors have observed these differences in patients, we haven't yet used scientific methods to firmly prove they are distinct. This study aims to do just that, by looking at how people with these conditions behave, how they think, and what their brains look like using special scanning equipment.

Specifically, we will be comparing people with hebephrenia, people with periodic catatonia, and healthy volunteers. We expect to see different patterns in their emotions and their movement control based on which type of condition they have. For example, we think people with hebephrenia might show more changes in their emotions, while those with periodic catatonia might have more difficulties with movement. By carefully studying these things, we hope to provide strong evidence that these are indeed distinct conditions, paving the way for better diagnosis and treatment plans in the future.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand different types of schizophrenia.
It compares people with specific conditions to healthy volunteers.
It uses symptom checks, thinking tests, and brain scans (fMRI).
The goal is to find clues for more personal treatments in the future.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be between 18 and 65 years old. If you're a patient, you must have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or a schizo-affective disorder, and your symptoms should have been stable for at least two months. You also need to have health insurance and be willing to sign a consent form that explains everything about the study.

We're looking for individuals who have either "periodic catatonia" or "hebephrenia," which are specific ways doctors classify these conditions. We also need healthy volunteers who do not have any history of mental health problems to compare against.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have other serious health problems, a history of brain injury or epilepsy, or if you currently misuse drugs or alcohol. If you have severe depression, intellectual disability, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have certain metal implants that prevent you from having an fMRI scan, you also wouldn't be able to take part. For healthy volunteers, you should not have taken any mental health medication in the last three weeks.

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 65 years old?
If a patient, have your symptoms been stable for at least 2 months?
Do you have health insurance (if a patient)?
Do you not have any other serious medical or brain conditions (like epilepsy)?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you not have a metal implant that would prevent an fMRI scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study involves several assessments. You'll have clinical evaluations, which means talking to doctors about your symptoms and experiences. You'll also take part in cognitive evaluations, which are tests to understand how you think, process information, and remember things. A key part of the study includes neurophysiological measures, which involve having an fMRI scan. This is a special type of brain scan that looks at brain activity. You'll need to answer questions, do some tasks, and lie still in the scanner. The total duration of your participation in the study, including all visits and assessments, will be explained in detail when you consider joining.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a small benefit by increasing our understanding of specific types of psychotic disorders, which could lead to better treatments in the future. You may also find it helpful to contribute to science. The main risks involve the fMRI scan, which is generally safe but requires lying still in an enclosed space; some people might find this uncomfortable or claustrophobic. Also, the assessments might take some time and effort. Remember, taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without explaining why, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Service de Psychiatrie I, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg
Verified postcode
Strasbourg, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'hebephrenia' and 'periodic catatonia'?

These are specific ways doctors have observed that schizophrenia can present, with different main symptoms. We are trying to understand them better using modern research tools.

What is an fMRI scan?

It's a special type of brain scan that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to look at blood flow in your brain, which shows where your brain is active when you're thinking or feeling things.

Will I get personalised treatment in this study?

No, this is a research study to understand conditions better. It won't provide direct personalised treatment for you, but it aims to help develop better treatments for everyone in the future.

How long will my involvement in the study last?

The information doesn't specify the exact total duration, but all the visits, assessments, and scans would be completed over a period that will be explained to you before you agree to take part.

What if I change my mind after joining?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Fabrice BERNA, MD

fabrice.berna@chru-strasbourg.fr 03 88 11 64 62 Official trial record

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