Identifying brain biomarkers for cognitive rehabilitation in schizophrenia

Optimization of Neurophysiologic Biomarkers for Rehabilitation Interventions in Veterans With Chronic Psychosis

Observational VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05945602

This study is trying to find brain markers that can help identify Veterans with schizophrenia who would benefit most from cognitive rehabilitation therapies.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (San Diego, California)
Trial IDNCT05945602 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to develop brain-based tools to identify Veterans with schizophrenia who are most likely to benefit from cognitive rehabilitation therapies. It involves comprehensive neurophysiological, clinical, cognitive, and functional assessments of Veterans diagnosed with schizophrenia and healthy controls at the VA San Diego Healthcare System. The study is conducted in two phases: the first phase focuses on optimizing neurophysiological biomarkers linked to brain function, while the second phase evaluates these biomarkers' sensitivity to cognitive training interventions. The ultimate goal is to enhance the effectiveness of cognitive remediation for improving daily functioning in Veterans with chronic psychosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include Veterans diagnosed with schizophrenia or other chronic psychotic disorders, as well as healthy Veterans in good general health.

Not a fit: Patients with active substance use or significant medical or neurological illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive rehabilitation strategies for Veterans with schizophrenia, enhancing their daily functioning and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While cognitive remediation has shown some benefits in schizophrenia, this approach of using neurophysiological biomarkers for patient selection is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Have a DSM-5 diagnosis of a chronic psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or delusional disorder); or b) are in good general mental and physical health (i.e., no active mental health condition).
2. Fluent in spoken and written English.
3. No impairment in hearing or vision.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Active substance other than cannabis within the last 30 days as determined by self-report or positive urine toxicology (obtained as part of the screening process).
2. History of significant medical or neurological illness or intellectual disability.
3. Inability to comprehend or provide informed consent.
4. Specific to healthy comparison subjects: past or present diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or other chronic psychotic disorder.

Where this trial is running

San Diego, California

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 Schizophrenia Spectrum DisordersSchizophreniaSchizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic DisordeMental Disorders
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.