Investigating brain energy processes in early psychosis

Brain bioenergetics and slow wave activity in first episode psychosis

NIH-funded research Mclean Hospital · NIH-10898072

This study is looking at how the brain's energy use changes in people who are just starting to experience psychosis, like schizophrenia, to find new ways to help them feel better, especially by looking at how sleep affects brain energy.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMclean Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Belmont, United States)
Project IDNIH-10898072 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how energy metabolism in the brain is affected during the early stages of psychosis, particularly schizophrenia. It aims to identify new biological mechanisms that contribute to the disorder by examining the role of creatine kinase and its impact on brain energy levels during neuronal activation. By studying the relationship between sleep patterns, specifically slow wave sleep, and brain energy homeostasis, the research seeks to uncover potential new treatment strategies for individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis, including those diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic psychotic disorders who are not in the early stages of their illness may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatment approaches that improve outcomes for patients with early-stage psychosis.

How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging evidence regarding brain energy abnormalities in psychotic disorders, this specific approach focusing on creatine kinase during neuronal activation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Belmont, 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.
Conditions Bipolar Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.