Investigating brain chemistry in schizophrenia
Translational Investigation of the Glutamatergic and GABAergic System in Schizophrenia - a Combined EEG-, FMRI-, Genetic, Serological and Cell Biological Study
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RWTH Aachen University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Aachen, Northrine-Westphalia and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04655235 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 80 diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-5 criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with significant psychiatric comorbidities or structural neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Aachen, Northrine-Westphalia and 2 other locations
- 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
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.