Exploring how social reward learning affects social pleasure in first-episode psychosis
Determining the Role of Social Reward Learning in Social Anhedonia in First-Episode Psychosis Using Motivational Interviewing in a Perturbation-Based Neuroimaging Approach
This study is testing whether different types of support can help young adults who have just experienced their first episode of psychosis feel more pleasure from social interactions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 152 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05617898 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the connection between reduced sensitivity to social rewards and social anhedonia in individuals who have recently experienced their first episode of psychosis. Participants aged 18-35 will be randomized to receive either motivational interviewing or a control intervention, with their responses measured through social reward learning tasks performed in an fMRI scanner. The study aims to assess both behavioral and neural correlates of social reward sensitivity and subjective social pleasure. By understanding these relationships, the trial seeks to inform potential therapeutic approaches for enhancing social functioning in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-35 who have experienced their first episode of psychosis within the last three years and are currently on second-generation antipsychotic medications.
Not a fit: Patients with substance-induced psychosis or significant substance use disorders in the past three months may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved interventions for enhancing social engagement and pleasure in individuals with psychosis.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the role of social rewards in mental health conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-35 years * A first episode of a psychotic illness that began within the past three years * Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophreniform, or schizoaffective disorder * Taking 2nd generation antipsychotic medications * Estimated premorbid IQ not less than 70 as assessed with the Wechsler Test of Adult Reading * Appropriate for scanning (i.e., no pacemaker or metal implants) and expressed willingness to participate in scanning * Sufficient fluency in English to comprehend testing procedures * Corrected vision of at least 20/30 Exclusion Criteria: * No evidence that substance use makes the diagnosis ambiguous (rule out substance-induced psychosis) * No evidence of moderate or severe alcohol or substance use disorder in the past 3 months * No clinically significant disease based on medical history (e.g., epilepsy) or significant head injury * For females: no current pregnancy * No sedatives or anxiolytics on the day of assessment * No medication change 3 weeks prior to enrollment
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama and 1 other locations
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Junghee Lee, PhD
- Email: jungheelee@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 205-934-8205
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.