Psychedelic-assisted approaches to help social and thinking skills in schizophrenia (preclinical and early-stage work)

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

Researchers will study how drugs like psilocybin and MDMA-like compounds influence social motivation and cognitive flexibility in preclinical models of schizophrenia, including how these effects interact with antipsychotic treatment. The work aims to map the receptor and brain circuit mechanisms behind any beneficial changes and test whether these benefits persist in models that simulate neurodevelopmental risk. The project includes examining different developmental stages and adult contexts to understand when these therapies could be most helpful. The VA San Diego Healthcare System leads the effort, reflecting a patient-centered interest in improving care for veterans living with schizophrenia.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• VA San Diego Healthcare System
  San Diego, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Powell, Susan B — VA San Diego Healthcare System
• Study coordinator: Powell, Susan B

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• New drugs that target the GABAA α5 receptor to improve memory and thinking in schizophrenia

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• Using psychedelics to enhance social and cognitive abilities in schizophrenia

  This study is looking at how certain psychedelics, like psilocybin and MDMA, might help improve social skills and thinking in people with schizophrenia, especially when used with regular medications, to find better ways to support those facing challenges with these symptoms.

  NIH research VA San Diego Healthcare System · San Diego, United States · NIH-11047513

• Developing new treatments to enhance cognitive function in schizophrenia

  This study is exploring new ways to help improve thinking and memory for people with schizophrenia by focusing on a specific brain receptor, hoping to find treatments that can make a real difference in their daily lives.

  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-10985723

• How specific anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood may affect memory and brain protection

  This research is exploring whether natural or abnormal anti-NMDAR1 antibodies in the blood influence memory, behavior, and brain protection in humans.

  NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11617810

• 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.

  NIH research VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11615928

• 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.

  NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11606500

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.