Cognitive Strategies in Early Psychosis 2 – how brain games and pills test decision making
Official title: Cognitive Strategies in Early Psychosis 2
Run by University of Minnesota · NCT07263022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a single dose of modafinil or d-serine, compared with placebo, changes decision making in people aged 18–35 who have recently begun experiencing psychosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 17, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2030 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | July 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07263022 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–35 with a psychosis spectrum disorder diagnosed within the last five years and a IQ of 70 or higher who are stable on their medications.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with unstable medications or certain comorbid conditions may not experience cognitive benefits from these agents.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This phase 3 trial investigates how two study agents affect decision making and brain activity in individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders within five years of onset. Participants will complete a series of brain games and fMRI scans before and after taking the study agents. The study includes intake, six fMRI sessions, clinical interviews, and several follow-up contacts to monitor safety and responses. Researchers aim to improve understanding of cognitive processes in psychosis and identify potential treatments that could enhance daily functioning. Eligibility requires age 18–35, recent onset of a psychosis spectrum illness, and stable medications prior to study visits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience improved decision making and better brain function related to cognition.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research in psychosis has explored modafinil and amino acid modulators for cognition, with mixed but ongoing evidence supporting potential cognitive benefits.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Between the ages of 18 and 35
* Onset of a psychosis spectrum illness (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, psychosis NOS, bipolar disorder with psychosis, or major depressive disorder with psychosis) within 5 years of enrollment
* Estimated IQ of 70 or above
* Proficient at English as determined through interactions with the study team
* No change in psychiatric medication within a week of enrollment or MRI study visits
* No clinically significant change in any medications for at least 1 month prior to study participation or MRI study visits, as determined by PI/Co-Is
* Participants may have minor adjustments in medication doses in the past 30 days, per PI discretion, but may not have had major increases or decreases in doses, or additions or removal of medication within the past 30 days.
* Participants are to have no changes to medications in the past 7 days before drug administration (i.e., must have been on a stable dose for at least 7 days prior to receiving the study drug).
Exclusion Criteria:
Medical Criteria:
* Presence of the following medical concerns as determined by the study PI:
* Major neurological disorder
* History of a clinically significant head injury with or without prolonged unconsciousness
* Any major medical condition that, in the opinion of the PI, would impede participation in the study or would put the participant at additional risk by participating
* History of any of the following as reported by the participant:
* Renal impairment, injury, or disease
* Hepatic impairment, injury, or disease
* Myocardial infarction or heart disease, or endorsement of history of or of cardiac symptoms at intake:
* Dyspnea
* Palpitations
* Orthopnea
* Pedal oedema
* Significant dizziness
* Syncope
* Claudication
* Low white blood cell count, or is diagnosed with leukopenia, neutropenia, or agranulocytosis
* Presence of unmanaged hypertension (\>140/90) or elevated resting heart rate (\>100 bpm)
* Abnormal clinical laboratory values:
* uACR \> 30 mg/g
* creatinine level \>0.95 mg/dL
* AST or ALT \> 50 U/L
* Bilirubin \> 1.2 mg/dL
* Total Protein \< 6 g/dL
* Taking a medication or supplement that has a major drug interaction with any study drugs (e.g., ketamine, MAOIs, clomipramine, diazepam, propranolol, warfarin)
* Allergies to study drugs
* Is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or is breastfeeding
* Cannot pass the visual acuity test
* Cannot pass the CMRR Subject Safety Screen due to MRI contraindications
Mental health criteria:
* Meets criteria for a severe substance or alcohol use disorder within 3 months of enrollment
* Lifetime history of a stimulant use disorder
* Current manic episode as determined by the MINI
* History of psychiatric hospitalization within 3 months of enrollment
* Meets criteria for clinical risk of suicidal behavior, as defined by:
* Clinician judgment
* A suicide attempt within 3 months of enrollment
* Active suicidal ideation at screening or baseline, as indicated by the C-SSRS Screener
* Previous intent to act on suicidal ideation with a specific plan and/or preparatory acts within 3 months of enrollment, as indicated by the C-SSRS Screener
* Symptom severity scores in the severe (6) or extremely severe (7) range on the BPRS for the following items: suicidality, disorientation, bizarre behavior, excitement, elevated mood
* Any other psychiatric symptoms or conditions that, in the opinion of the PI, would impede participation in the study or put the participant at additional risk by participating
Other criteria:
* Unable or unwilling to provide informed consent
* Unable to demonstrate adequate decisional capacity, in the judgment of the consenting study staff member, to make a choice about participating in the research study
* Current guardianship
* Is under civil commitment or under a stay of civil commitment
* Illiteracy
* Has engaged in significant cognitive training, in the opinion of the PI, in the last year
Where it's running
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sophia Vinogradov, MD — University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Study coordinator: Freddie Holmberg Kohler, MBS, CCRP
- Email: costep2@umn.edu
- Phone: 612-772-2201
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.