Family-based program to reduce risk factors for schizophrenia spectrum disorders in youth with family history

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares a brief family-centered psychosocial intervention against no specified control to address modifiable risk factors for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Participants are children and young adults aged 9 to under 26 with a family history of SSD and two or more targeted risk factors, and who are psychiatrically stable. The trial focuses on those with both high and low baseline SSD-like brain patterns to see if the intervention reduces distressing psychotic-like experiences. Recruitment is centered at The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, with NIH collaboration. Exclusion criteria include prior or current psychotic disorders or CHR-p, and recent changes in antipsychotic medications.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Family history of SSD (defined as first-degree (e.g., a parent or a sibling), second-degree (e.g., an uncle or a grandparent), or other combinations of biological relatives in the family have or likely have a diagnosis of SSD or other closely related severe mental illnesses equivalent to at least 25% of genetic sharing) per medical record review and/or parent/legal guardian/self report and confirmed by a structured interview;
2. screening positive for two or more risk factors targeted by the intervention;
3. aged ≥ 9 and \<26 years of birthday;
4. Participants and parent(s)/legal guardian(s)/other family member(s) agree to participate;
5. psychiatrically stable and have no major changes in antidepressant, stimulant, or antipsychotic medication in the past 4 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current or past history of psychotic disorders or clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-p) per study interview;
2. Current or past antipsychotic medication use to specifically treat a psychotic disorder;
3. major medical and neurological conditions;
4. moderate to severe intellectual disabilities or mild intellectual disabilities but expected to have difficulty completing the study assessments;
5. current drug or alcohol use that impacts functioning and study engagement;
6. Not able to give assent, permission, or consent;
7. Not able to undergo MRI.

Where it's running

• The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
  Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Yizhou Ma, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
• Study coordinator: Yizhou Ma, PhD
• Email: Yizhou.Ma@uth.tmc.edu
• Phone: 713-486-2740

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.