First-episode psychosis brain metabolism and antipsychotic effects

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 observational study follows young adults recently diagnosed with a first-episode psychosis to see how starting antipsychotic treatment changes brain metabolism using PET imaging with 11C-acetoacetate and 18F-FDG. Participants will also undergo a multimodal imaging battery and assessments of cognition, mood, and other metabolic and inflammatory markers. The study does not assign a specific treatment but observes the effects of the chosen antipsychotic regimen over 4 to 6 weeks. Data from imaging, clinical symptoms, and biomarkers will help characterize early metabolic changes associated with antipsychotic exposure. The setting is the PEP clinic in Estrie, with the lead site at Université de Sherbrooke.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Admission to the PEP clinic in Estrie, either outpatient or inpatient, according to the transdiagnostic PEP model.
* Willingness to begin taking an AP (regardless of type and dose, or change in type and dose during the study).
* Ability to read and express themselves in French or English.
* Capable of understanding and signing consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy, childbirth in the last 6 months, or breastfeeding.
* Presence of a metallic object in the body that is incompatible with MRI.
* Any use of APs for more than 2 continuous weeks in the past year and/or 6 weeks in a lifetime (except for aripiprazole if taken at less than 2.5 mg/day or quetiapine at less than 50 mg/day, regardless of duration or timing of the prescription).
* The following comorbidities: psychosis + borderline or intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, substance use disorder with decompensation, psychosis induced by a medical condition, or psychosis induced by drug use or withdrawal.
* Type 1 diabetes.
* Uncontrolled acute suicidal ideation.
* Other conditions that could interfere with participation according to the judgment of the qualified physician.

Where it's running

• Hotel-Dieu CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS
  Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Stephen Cunnane, Ph.D — Université de Sherbrooke
• Study coordinator: Melanie Fortier, M.Sc
• Email: melanie.fortier2@usherbrooke.ca
• Phone: 8195758134

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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.