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White Matter Plasticity in Schizophrenia

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Schizophrenia Disorders
Registration Number
NCT06641297
Lead Sponsor
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Brief Summary

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are associated with impairment in the microstructure of white matter, the key brain tissue responsible for fast communication between different brain regions necessary for any complex task. This white matter impairment is linked to problems with cognition in schizophrenia, especially slower processing speed. This project aims to study the potential for correcting white matter deficits in schizophrenia by examining mechanisms underlying white matter structure changes in response to training on playing a mock musical instrument.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
36
Inclusion Criteria
  • Diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, or psychosis NOS
  • age 15-45
  • able to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
  • contraindications to MRI (metal implants, claustrophobia)
  • medical condition that limits use of hands (ie, arthritis)
  • Active or recent (within 6 months) substance use disorder other than nicotine

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
White matter microstructure3 weeks

fractional anisotropy of white matter tracts as assessed with diffusion tensor imaging

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Brain level of N-acetylaspartate3 weeks

NAA levels in motor cortex of brain as measured with magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Maryland Psychiatric Research Center

🇺🇸

Catonsville, Maryland, United States

University of Maryland Baltimore - Maryland Psychiatric Research Center

🇺🇸

Catonsville, Maryland, United States

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