NST-SPARK: AR app to help negative symptoms in schizophrenia
Official title: NST-SPARK: Developing an Augmented Reality (AR) Digital Health Intervention for Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia
Funded at North Shore Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11315398 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A smartphone AR therapy called NST-SPARK aims to help adults with schizophrenia reduce negative symptoms like lack of motivation and pleasure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Shore Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $450,020 |
| NIH project number | 1R41MH140642-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11315398 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with schizophrenia spectrum disorders experiencing noticeable negative symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without significant negative symptoms or those unable to use smartphone AR tools may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops a smartphone-based augmented reality therapy that delivers Recovery-oriented Cognitive Therapy through gamified AR experiences to change unhelpful beliefs contributing to negative symptoms. It involves co-design with people who have lived experience and a 12-week treatment course delivered in two phases. The first phase focuses on refining the app with user input, while the second phase tests the 12-week program in adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who have moderate to severe negative symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, NST-SPARK could offer a new, engaging tool to lessen negative symptoms and improve daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary results suggest feasibility and acceptability, with potential symptom-belief reductions observed in prior work.
Where this research is happening
-
North Shore Therapeutics, INC.
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cronin, William Francis — North Shore Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Cronin, William Francis
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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.