Understanding brain timing systems in early psychosis
Official title: Neurophysiology of Distributed Predictive Timing Systems in Early Psychosis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11052661 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain's timing might be off in people showing early signs of schizophrenia, and it aims to understand how this affects their thinking and senses, which could help find better treatments for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 8, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $645,737 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133750-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052661 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing early symptoms of psychosis or those diagnosed with schizophrenia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established schizophrenia who are not in the early stages of the disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's timing systems may be disrupted in individuals experiencing early signs of psychosis, particularly schizophrenia. By examining the coordination of sensory and cognitive processes, the study aims to identify specific neurobiological changes that occur in the brain's circuits responsible for timing and perception. Patients will undergo assessments that measure their cognitive and sensory functions, helping researchers understand the underlying mechanisms of their symptoms. The findings could lead to new insights into treatment options for those affected by schizophrenia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for individuals with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain function in schizophrenia, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coffman, Brian a — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Coffman, Brian a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.