Investigating how inflammation affects motivation in schizophrenia patients
Official title: Targeting Inflammation-Induced Changes in Brain Reward Signaling and Motivational Deficits in Patients with Schizophrenia Using an Anti-Inflammatory Challenge
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11003764 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation might affect motivation in people with schizophrenia, and it will test if a medication that reduces inflammation can help improve motivation and daily functioning.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $497,418 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131910-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003764 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who experience motivational deficits and negative symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have schizophrenia or those without significant motivational deficits may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between inflammation and motivational deficits in individuals with schizophrenia. It focuses on how elevated levels of inflammatory markers, particularly tumor necrosis factor (TNF), may disrupt brain areas involved in reward processing, leading to negative symptoms and poor treatment responses. By administering an anti-inflammatory agent, the study aims to determine if reducing inflammation can improve motivation and overall functioning in these patients. Participants will undergo assessments to evaluate changes in brain activity and motivational behaviors in response to treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that enhance motivation and improve quality of life for patients with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that targeting inflammation may improve symptoms in related conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldsmith, David Ryan — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Goldsmith, David Ryan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding social disconnection in schizophrenia using digital signals and brain data
This grant explores how smartphones, social networks, and brain imaging can reveal why Veterans with schizophrenia have trouble forming and maintaining relationships, with the goal of guiding better treatments.
-
Understanding how autism and schizophrenia risk genes affect brain development
Scientists are testing how mutations in certain autism and schizophrenia risk genes change brain cells and networks, using patient-derived cells and organoids.
-
Digital support to spread team-based schizophrenia care in primary care in India
A project to help frontline health workers in India use digital tools to provide coordinated schizophrenia care in primary care, with plans to inform care in the United States as well.
-
Digital support for shared-care of schizophrenia in primary care in India
A patient-friendly plan to bring evidence-based schizophrenia care to primary care in India using digital tools and trained frontline workers.
-
Digital support to scale Schizophrenia care in primary care in India
A nationwide effort to help primary care teams in India deliver better, more accessible schizophrenia care using digital tools and trained frontline workers.
-
How social isolation affects aging health in schizophrenia
This project explores how being socially isolated may speed up health problems as people with schizophrenia age.
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.