Investigating brain function in schizophrenia, depression, and long COVID effects
CSRD Research Career Scientist Award Application
This study is looking at how the brains of people with schizophrenia, depression, and those experiencing long-term effects after COVID-19 work, to better understand how they process different types of information, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10919766 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the neurobiology of schizophrenia and major depressive disorder using advanced brain imaging techniques like electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The principal investigator, Dr. Ford, is expanding her work to include individuals experiencing long-term effects after COVID-19 infection, often referred to as 'long haulers'. By examining how the brain processes self-generated versus external stimuli, the research aims to uncover fundamental deficits in sensory processing that may contribute to psychosis and related conditions. Participants may undergo brain imaging to help identify biomarkers and improve treatment approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or those experiencing long-term effects after COVID-19 infection.
Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or long COVID symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for individuals suffering from schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and long COVID symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using brain imaging techniques to study schizophrenia and related disorders, indicating a promising approach for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ford, Judith M — Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ford, Judith M
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 below.