Investigating the role of endocannabinoid metabolism in early psychosis and schizophrenia
Official title: Imaging Alterations in Endocannabinoid Metabolism in Clinical High Risk and First Episode Psychosis
Funded at Centre de Recherche de L'hopital Douglas · NIH-10707675 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in a system in the brain that uses natural chemicals called endocannabinoids might play a role in developing schizophrenia, especially for those who are at high risk or having their first episode of psychosis, to find new ways to help prevent and treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Centre de Recherche de L'hopital Douglas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Montreal, Canada) |
| Project start | September 21, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $443,649 |
| NIH project number | 7R01MH113564-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10707675 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis or are identified as being at clinical high risk for developing schizophrenia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of cannabis use or those who are not at risk for schizophrenia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how alterations in the endocannabinoid system may contribute to the development of schizophrenia, particularly in individuals at clinical high risk or experiencing their first episode of psychosis. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to explore the metabolism of endocannabinoids in the brain and how it relates to cognitive and behavioral changes. The research will involve measuring levels of a specific enzyme, FAAH, which regulates endocannabinoid levels, to identify potential therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention strategies and treatments for individuals at risk of developing schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: While the relationship between endocannabinoid metabolism and schizophrenia is established, this specific approach using in-vivo imaging of FAAH in early psychosis is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Centre de Recherche de L'hopital Douglas
Montreal, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mizrahi, Romina — Centre de Recherche de L'hopital Douglas
- Study coordinator: Mizrahi, Romina
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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.