Role of Inferior Colliculi in Auditory Hallucinations
This research aims to understand why people with schizophrenia hear voices, also known as auditory hallucinations. Scientists will use special brain scans, called unenhanced brain MRI, to look closely at a specific brain area called the inferior colliculi. These scans help them see how the brain is structured. The study is investigating a new idea: that a problem with how this brain area filters sounds could lead to hallucinations. By studying people with and without these experiences, researchers hope to gain a clearer picture of the brain's role in hearing voices. This could help improve our understanding and potentially lead to better ways to help people in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a complicated question: why do some people with schizophrenia hear voices that aren’t really there? These are called auditory hallucinations. Researchers don't fully understand why this happens, and this study aims to shed more light on it.
They're particularly interested in a tiny part of the brain called the "inferior colliculi." Think of this area as a kind of filter for sounds. One idea is that in people who hear voices, this brain area might not be filtering sounds correctly. This could make it harder for the brain to tell the difference between internal thoughts and real sounds, leading to the experience of hearing voices.
To explore this, the study will use a type of brain scan called an MRI. This scan helps doctors see detailed pictures of the brain. By comparing the MRI scans of people with schizophrenia who hear voices to those who don't, the researchers hope to see if there are any differences in the inferior colliculi. This information could be really important for understanding the root causes of auditory hallucinations and might one day help develop better ways to support people experiencing them.
Key takeaways
- This study uses brain scans to understand how people with schizophrenia hear voices.
- It focuses on a small brain area called the 'inferior colliculi' as a potential 'sound filter' problem.
- Takes part involves a single, unenhanced MRI brain scan.
- You won't get any new treatment in this study.
- Participation could help improve future understanding and support for auditory hallucinations.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 60 years old. You must have a diagnosis of schizophrenia that has been present for 20 years or less, and you should be receiving care from a psychiatric service.
The study is looking for two main groups of people. One group will be those who have schizophrenia and have experienced hearing voices in the last two weeks. The other group will be people with schizophrenia who have not experienced hearing voices in the last two weeks.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain medical conditions that make MRI scans unsafe, or if you have severe claustrophobia, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You also can't participate if you have severe deafness, significant learning difficulties, or if you're taking certain types of medication that could interfere with the study results.
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 60 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of schizophrenia that began within the last 20 years?
- Are you currently receiving care for your mental health?
- Do you not have any metal implants or other reasons that would prevent an MRI scan?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
- Do you understand French, and can you read and write it?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, your involvement would be fairly straightforward. You would need to give your permission to participate and then have a single unenhanced brain MRI scan. An 'unenhanced' MRI means you won't be given any special dye, just the scan itself. The MRI scan generally takes some time but doesn't involve any medication specific to the study, and there will be no follow-up appointments directly related to the research. The entire study involves this one scan, so it will not last for a long time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- CHU de Nîmes, Hôpital Universitaire CarémeauVerified postcodeNîmes, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an 'unenhanced brain MRI'?
It's a special type of scan that takes detailed pictures of your brain using magnets and radio waves. 'Unenhanced' means you won't be given any special injection or dye during the scan.
Will I get any specific treatment in this study?
No, this study is observational. It focuses on taking brain scans to understand more about schizophrenia and hallucinations, not on providing new treatments.
How long will my involvement in the study last?
Your involvement will be limited to a single visit for the MRI scan. There are no ongoing treatments or follow-up appointments for the research.
What are auditory hallucinations?
Auditory hallucinations are when someone hears sounds or voices that aren't actually there, but feel very real to the person experiencing them.
Will my regular doctors be told I'm in the study?
Your participation would be discussed with your healthcare team to ensure it's suitable and doesn't interfere with your ongoing care.
How to find out more
Martin Pastre
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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