Understanding brain circuitry to improve treatment for early psychosis
Official title: Cerebellar-Cortical Circuitry and Treatment Response in Early Psychosis
Funded at Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11130544 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain patterns can help doctors figure out which patients with early psychosis will benefit most from antipsychotic medications, so they can create better treatment plans and improve patients' lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Feinstein Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhasset, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $519,558 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH137501-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11130544 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis who are beginning treatment with antipsychotic medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a first episode of psychosis or those who are not starting antipsychotic treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific brain circuitry can predict how well patients with early psychosis respond to antipsychotic medications. By using advanced imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the study aims to identify biomarkers that can help doctors tailor treatment plans more effectively. The research will involve collecting data from a larger group of first-episode psychotic patients to validate these biomarkers, making the process more patient-friendly by using natural stimuli during imaging. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the quality of life for patients by reducing the time spent on ineffective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans for patients with early psychosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain connectivity as predictive biomarkers for treatment response, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
Manhasset, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Hengyi — Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Cao, Hengyi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Psychosis in diverse settings across the world
This project studies how psychotic disorders show up and respond to treatment in adults with diverse backgrounds, including populations in Africa, the Caribbean, and other Global South settings.
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Psychosis in Diverse Settings: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Across Global South
A human-facing study will look at how psychotic disorders present and respond to treatment in adults from Africa, the Caribbean, and other Global South settings, using genetic and clinical data.
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A new online brain-scan-style tool to spot early psychosis risk
A new online-based set of tasks and a computer model aims to identify people at high risk for developing psychosis earlier and more accurately.
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Genetic clues for early-onset psychosis in Latino youth
This project looks at the genes of young people with early-onset psychosis and compares them with similar youths without psychosis to find genetic factors that contribute to the illness.
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Biomarkers to tailor rehab for Veterans with schizophrenia
A clinician-scientist is developing a brain-based biomarker to guide personalized rehabilitation for Veterans with schizophrenia.
-
Computational analysis of facial expression in early psychosis
Aims to develop computer-based measures of facial expression in people at risk for or with schizophrenia to help track symptoms and guide future trials.
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.