How antipsychotic drugs affect hormone secretion and metabolism

Novel dopaminergic mechanisms of islet hormone secretion and antipsychotic drug-induced metabolic disturbances

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-10657548

This study is looking at how antipsychotic medications, used for conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can affect your metabolism and lead to weight gain and insulin problems, with the hope of finding better ways to manage these side effects.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10657548 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the metabolic disturbances caused by antipsychotic drugs, which are commonly used to treat psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It focuses on understanding how these medications impact hormone secretion from the pancreas and contribute to issues like weight gain and insulin resistance. By exploring the role of dopamine receptors in both the brain and pancreas, the study aims to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to better management of metabolic side effects associated with antipsychotic treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder who are currently prescribed antipsychotic medications.

Not a fit: Patients who are not taking antipsychotic medications or do not have the aforementioned psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that minimize metabolic side effects for patients taking antipsychotic medications.

How similar studies have performed: While the metabolic effects of antipsychotic drugs are well-documented, this research explores novel mechanisms that have not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Where this research is happening

PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Mental disorders, Mental health disorders, Psychiatric Disease, Psychiatric Disorder, psychological disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.