Functional Brain Activation Patterns in Schizophrenia, Measured Before and After Treatment

NCT ID: NCT00161057

Last Updated: 2009-04-23

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Total Enrollment: 78 participants
• Study Classification: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2001-12-31
• Study Completion Date: 2008-09-30

Brief Summary

In this study we, the investigators at UMC Utrecht, intend to investigate changes in brain activation patterns using functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in patients suffering from schizophrenia who are medication naive or off medication, before using medication and after 8 weeks of medication. Patients will perform a working memory task, a language task and a motor task while lying in the scanner. We hypothesize that the efficiency of the working memory system is reduced and that the lateralization of language is diminished in these patients, and that these functions will normalize after treatment.

Detailed Description

Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder with a wide range of symptoms and signs including hallucinations, delusions, disorganisation, negative symptoms and cognitive deficits. Investigation of the neural substrates of the cognitive deficits in schizophrenia has revealed abnormalities in brain activity patterns. Particularly, earlier studies using functional FMRI conducted at the UMCU, revealed diminished language laterality, deficits in working memory and a reduced ability to automate cognitive processes. The aim of this project is to study the relationship between these brain activation patterns and neuroleptic treatment. More insight into psychopharmacological effects on brain physiology, may eventually enable us to better predict what effect treatment will have on patients.

Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder or psychotic disorder not otherwise specified (NOS), who are medication naive or medication free for a period of at least 2 weeks will be included. Patients will be tested before and after 8 weeks of treatment with an atypical antipsychotic. In the scanner patients will perform a working memory task, a language task and a visual-motor task. At study entry and after 8 weeks the PANSS, Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) and CDSS (Calgary Depression Scale of Schizophrenia) will be performed. Besides these patients, we will also include a group of matched healthy controls. We hypothesize that in medication naive or patients of-medication lateralization is reduced, and that efficiency of the working memory system is reduced. Lateralization is expected to correlate negatively with positive functions. We expect that antipsychotic treatment will normalize brain function and that the degree of normalization is correlated with the clinical measures of treatment efficacy.

Conditions

Schizophrenia; Schizophreniform Disorders

Study Design

• Observational Model Type: COHORT
• Study Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Diagnoses of schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder or psychotic disorder NOS, confirmed on the basis of Comprehensive Assessment of Symptoms and History (CASH) or a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders (SCID) interview
• Ages between 16 and 50 years
• CGI of at least 4
• Patients are neuroleptic-naive or medication-free for at least 2 weeks

• No psychiatric disorders (according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition [DSM-IV], Axis I)
• No psychiatric disorders in first degree relatives.
• Ages: between 18 and 50 years old

Exclusion Criteria

• Ferrous objects in or around the body
• Neurological or medical illness, including closed head injury.
• Mental retardation.
• Diagnosis of substance dependence within the previous 3 months.
• Pregnancy
• Treatment with antidepressants or mood stabilizers within 3 weeks of inclusion.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 16 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 50 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

UMC Utrecht

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

UMC Utrecht

Principal Investigators

Nicoletta V Veelen

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

UMC Utrecht

Rene Kahn, M.D. Ph.D.

Role: STUDY_CHAIR

UMC Utrecht

Locations

Dept. of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht

Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands

Countries

Netherlands

Other Identifiers

METC 01/134

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id