Exploring Autonomic Nervous Function and Meridian Energy in Schizophrenia Patients

Explore the Differences in Autonomic Nervous System and Meridian Energy Between Patients With Schizophrenia and Healthy Individuals

This study looks at how the nervous system and energy levels differ between people with schizophrenia and healthy individuals to better understand their health and well-being.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Taipei)
• Trial ID: NCT06617104 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the differences in autonomic nervous system function and meridian energy between patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and healthy individuals. Conducted at National Taiwan University Hospital, the study aims to collect data from 100 participants, including 50 schizophrenia patients and 50 healthy controls. Various assessments will be performed, including demographic questionnaires, quality of life measures, and heart rate variability analysis, to align with traditional Chinese medicine principles of preventive care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 to 65 with a stable diagnosis of schizophrenia and no recent changes in medication.

Not a fit: Patients with cardiovascular conditions, severe neurological disorders, or substance abuse issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of schizophrenia and improve care strategies by integrating traditional Chinese medicine concepts.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in its integration of traditional Chinese medicine with modern psychiatric evaluation, similar studies have explored autonomic function in psychiatric conditions with varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Disease group：

   * Diagnosed with schizophrenia by a physician (ICD-10 code F20, such as F20.0, F20.1, F20.2, F20.3, F20.5, F20.89, or F20.9), with stable condition, and has not had any changes in medication dosage or admission to a psychiatric acute care unit in the past 3 months.
   * Aged between 18 and 65 years.
   * Able to understand, speak, read, and write Mandarin or Taiwanese.
2. Control group：

   * No history of chronic illness and no acute symptoms within the past month.
   * Aged between 18 and 65 years.
   * Able to understand, speak, read, and write Mandarin or Taiwanese.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Disease group：

   * Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, severe neurological disorders (e.g., organic brain disorders, early-stage dementia or diagnosed dementia), or substance abuse issues.
   * Individuals who have used medications affecting the autonomic nervous system within the past month, such as mood stabilizers, antidepressants, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors inhibitors, β-blockers, or antiarrhythmics.
   * Individuals with metallic implants that could affect heart rate variability.
   * Individuals with involuntary and uncontrollable body tremors.
   * Women currently menstruating.
   * Pregnant women.
2. Control group：

   * Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, severe neurological disorders (e.g., organic brain disorders, early-stage dementia or diagnosed dementia), or substance abuse issues.
   * Individuals who have used medications affecting the autonomic nervous system within the past month, such as psychiatric medications, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors inhibitors, β-blockers, or antiarrhythmics .
   * Individuals with metallic implants that could affect heart rate variability.
   * Individuals with involuntary and uncontrollable body tremors.
   * Women currently menstruating.
   * Pregnant women.

Where this trial is running

Taipei

• National Taiwan University Hospital — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Yi-Min Pan

Conditions Schizophrenia; Healthy Individuals