Biomarkers to tailor rehab for Veterans with schizophrenia
Official title: Optimization of Neurophysiologic Biomarkers for Rehabilitation Interventions in Veterans with Chronic Psychosis
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-11552825 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A clinician-scientist is developing a brain-based biomarker to guide personalized rehabilitation for Veterans with schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX004570-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11552825 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans with schizophrenia who experience cognitive impairment and are candidates for targeted cognitive training or related rehabilitation strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with schizophrenia who are not pursuing cognitive rehabilitation or whose cognitive symptoms are not primarily addressed by the proposed biomarker-guided approach.
What this research studies
This program trains an early-career psychiatrist to build and test a biomarker linked to cortical function, with the goal of guiding precision rehabilitation for Veterans living with schizophrenia. The work focuses on identifying who will benefit most from cognitive training and similar therapies by using brain signals that reflect the balance of excitation and inhibition in the cortex. The effort combines mentored research with hands-on clinical and neuroscience methods to enable the investigator to become an independent researcher in veterans’ health. The project aims to translate biomarker findings into smarter, more effective rehabilitative strategies for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more effective, tailored cognitive rehabilitation and improved daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests biomarkers can help predict response to cognitive interventions, though this specific E/I-balance biomarker approach is being developed for precision rehabilitation in veterans.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Molina, Juan — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Molina, Juan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Psychosis in diverse settings across the world
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Psychosis in Diverse Settings: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Across Global South
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Computational analysis of facial expression in early psychosis
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Mental Wellness Coordinated Care for Young People with Untreated Psychosis in Mozambique
A program in Mozambique aims to bring early, coordinated care for adolescents and young adults with new psychosis, using evidence-based services to reduce symptoms and improve functioning.
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.