Analyzing facial expressions in early psychosis
Official title: Computational phenotyping of face expression in early psychosis
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11009577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain facial expressions, like flat or less expressive faces, might be linked to early signs of schizophrenia, and it uses special technology to measure these expressions during interviews to help better understand and support people who may be at risk for psychosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $580,548 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132239-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders or those identified as clinically high risk for psychosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no history of psychosis or related disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how facial expressions, particularly blunted or flat expressions, are associated with schizophrenia and its early warning signs. By using advanced computational methods, the study aims to objectively measure facial muscle movements during interviews and viewing tasks. This approach will help create a standardized way to assess facial expressions, which could improve understanding and treatment of individuals at risk for psychosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for individuals with schizophrenia and those at high risk.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using computational methods to analyze facial expressions, suggesting this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Corcoran, Cheryl Mary — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Corcoran, Cheryl Mary
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Psychosis in diverse settings across the world
This project studies how psychotic disorders show up and respond to treatment in adults with diverse backgrounds, including populations in Africa, the Caribbean, and other Global South settings.
-
Psychosis in Diverse Settings: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Across Global South
A human-facing study will look at how psychotic disorders present and respond to treatment in adults from Africa, the Caribbean, and other Global South settings, using genetic and clinical data.
-
A new online brain-scan-style tool to spot early psychosis risk
A new online-based set of tasks and a computer model aims to identify people at high risk for developing psychosis earlier and more accurately.
-
Genetic clues for early-onset psychosis in Latino youth
This project looks at the genes of young people with early-onset psychosis and compares them with similar youths without psychosis to find genetic factors that contribute to the illness.
-
Biomarkers to tailor rehab for Veterans with schizophrenia
A clinician-scientist is developing a brain-based biomarker to guide personalized rehabilitation for Veterans with schizophrenia.
-
Computational analysis of facial expression in early psychosis
Aims to develop computer-based measures of facial expression in people at risk for or with schizophrenia to help track symptoms and guide future trials.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.