Examining self-recognition and self/other distinction in young people with psychological vulnerability

Study of Self-Recognition and Self/Other Distinction Disorders in Patients With Psychological Vulnerability (ALTER EGO)

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Brest · NCT04945278

This study is testing how young people with psychological challenges see themselves and others using a special mirror to see if it’s different from those without these challenges.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Brest Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bohars)
Trial IDNCT04945278 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate differences in self-recognition and self/other distinction between individuals with psychological vulnerability and healthy controls. Participants will engage with a double mirror device that morphs their image into that of another person, allowing researchers to assess their perception of self and others. The study focuses on young individuals aged 15 to 25, utilizing a specific testing paradigm to explore potential links between these cognitive abilities and psychological symptoms. By comparing responses from both groups, the research seeks to enhance understanding of psychological vulnerabilities in youth.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 15 to 25 who meet the Ultra High Risk criteria for psychosis.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of epilepsy, migraine, or significant visual impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for young individuals at risk of psychosis.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach using the double mirror paradigm is novel, similar studies have explored self-recognition in psychological contexts with varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria for patients:

* Aged from 15 to 25 years
* Subject meeting the Ultra High Risk criteria at CAARMS and / or SPI-A
* Signature of the consent (participants and parents for minors)
* Subject affiliated to the social security scheme or benefiting from such a scheme

Inclusion criteria for healthy volunteers:

* Aged from 15 to 25 years
* Subject not familiar to the patient to whom it is matched
* Signature of the consent (participants and parents for minors)
* Subject affiliated to the social security scheme or benefiting from such a scheme

Exclusion Criteria for both patients and healthy volunteers:

* History of epilepsy and / or migraine (due to the epileptogenic potential of light stimuli)
* Refusal of participation of the minor even if the legal representatives want the subject to participate in the study
* Claustrophobia
* Wearing glasses
* Abnormal right and left visual acuity without contact lenses
* Distinctive signs on the face which cannot be temporarily removed
* Subject under legal protection (curators / guardianship) or deprived of liberty

Where this trial is running

Bohars

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Psychosis of Childhood BorderlinePsychotic DisorderMental VulnerabilitySelf-recognitionPsychosis High-Risk StateSelf-other DistinctionDouble Mirror ParadigmSchizophrenia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.