Investigating brain chemistry in schizophrenia
Official title: Translational Investigation of the Glutamatergic and GABAergic System in Schizophrenia - a Combined EEG-, FMRI-, Genetic, Serological and Cell Biological Study
Run by RWTH Aachen University · NCT04655235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how brain chemistry differs in people with schizophrenia compared to their healthy family members and unrelated healthy individuals to better understand the condition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | RWTH Aachen University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Aachen, Northrine-Westphalia and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2021 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | March 2030 |
| Registry record updated | March 14, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04655235 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 80 diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-5 criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant psychiatric comorbidities or structural neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.
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 aims to explore the imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activity in individuals with schizophrenia. It will involve three groups of participants: patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, their healthy relatives, and unrelated healthy controls. Each participant will undergo blood tests to analyze various biomarkers and genetic factors related to glutamatergic and GABAergic systems. The study seeks to establish the relationship between these biomarkers and schizophrenia, potentially leading to better understanding and detection of the disorder.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of schizophrenia's biological underpinnings and lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the study's approach is grounded in existing research, the specific focus on genetic and molecular markers in this comparative manner is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
PATIENTS Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-5 * aged 18 to 80 * being mentally and contractually capable to give their consent to study participation Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy * structural neurological disease * a further psychiatric comorbidity that dominates in the clinical appearance HEALTHY PARTICIPANTS Inclusion Criteria: * aged 18 to 80 * being mentally and contractually capable to give their consent to study participation Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy * structural neurological disease * psychiatric disorder * for healthy controls: psychiatric disorders in the family history of first-degree relatives
Where it's running
-
Alexianer Hospital
Aachen, Northrine-Westphalia, Germany Recruiting -
ViaNobis - Die Fachklinik
Gangelt, Northrine-Westphalia, Germany Recruiting -
University hospital RWTH Aachen
Aachen, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Arnim Gaebler, M.D. — Uniklinik RWTH Aachen
- Study coordinator: Arnim Gaebler, M.D.
- Email: agaebler@ukaachen.de
- Phone: +49 241 800
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.