Understanding the genetic factors behind psychosis symptoms
Official title: Genetic architecture of transdiagnostic psychosis symptom dimensions
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11001545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes might affect symptoms of psychosis in people with conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder, and it’s designed for patients who want to help us understand these symptoms better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $156,930 |
| NIH project number | 5K01MH131847-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001545 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar I disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with psychosis symptoms not related to the specified disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic basis of psychosis symptoms across various disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. It aims to refine our understanding of how these symptoms manifest and are influenced by genetics. The study will utilize advanced statistical methods and data from a diverse cohort to analyze psychosis symptoms and their genetic underpinnings. Patients will be assessed through structured clinical interviews to gather detailed information on their symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and targeted treatments for individuals experiencing psychosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the genetic factors of psychiatric disorders, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lapato, Dana — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Lapato, Dana
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.