Investigating brain and eye movement responses to emotional facial expressions in autism and psychotic disorders
Brain and Oculometric Markers of Emotional Facial Expression Recognition Deficits Associated With Autistic and Psychotic Symptoms
This study is trying to see how people with autism and psychotic disorders recognize emotions on faces by looking at their brain activity and eye movements.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 210 (estimated) |
| Ages | 10 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hôpital le Vinatier Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lyon, Rhône) |
| Trial ID | NCT05501405 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to explore how individuals with autism and psychotic disorders recognize emotional facial expressions using a novel approach called Fast Periodic Visual Stimulation (FPVS) combined with electroencephalography (EEG). By analyzing brain activity and eye-tracking data, the researchers will assess the neural and visual exploration patterns associated with facial emotion recognition deficits. The study focuses on individuals with specific genetic conditions, schizophrenia, or autism, aged 10 to 50, who are French speakers and have stable symptoms. The goal is to better understand the cognitive mechanisms underlying these recognition difficulties.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 10 to 50 with autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, or specific genetic conditions affecting emotional recognition.
Not a fit: Patients with recent addictions, significant neurological disorders, or uncorrected visual acuity issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for individuals with autism and psychotic disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using similar FPVS-EEG approaches have shown success in understanding emotional recognition in atypical populations, indicating potential for this study's methodology.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals with a genetic condition with psychiatric expression (22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome, Williams syndrome, Präder-Willi syndrome) * Individuals with schizophrenia according to DSM-5 criteria * Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) according to DSM-5 criteria * Individuals between the ages of 10 and 50 * French native language * Psychotropic treatment unchanged during the month preceding inclusion * Stable symptomatology * Individuals having given their informed consent to participate in the study (consent of legal tutors for minors or under tutorship Exclusion Criteria: * Recent addiction, excluding tobacco addiction (according to DSM-5 criteria) * Neurological disorders of vascular, infectious or neurodegenerative origin for patients with schizophrenia or ASD * Uncorrected visual acuity disorder * Use of somatic medications that have a cerebral or psychological impact (e.g. corticosteroids) * Pregnant women
Where this trial is running
Lyon, Rhône
- centre de réhabilitation - Hôpital le Vinatier — Lyon, Rhône, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: FRANCK NICOLAS, PhD — Centre Hospitalier le Vinatier
- Study coordinator: FRANCK NICOLAS, PhD
- Email: nicolas.franck@ch-le-vinatier.fr
- Phone: 0033426738539
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.