Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 55

Investigating the links between social isolation, loneliness, and mental illness

Official title: Neurobehavioral Mechanisms of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Serious Mental Illness

Run by Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT04940663 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to see how feeling lonely and isolated affects people with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and psychosis, using brain scans and smartphone tools to understand their daily experiences.

More Schizophrenia trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
Enrollment120 (estimated)
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Charlestown, Massachusetts)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 13, 2022
Main results expectedOctober 2026
Study endsJanuary 2027
Registry record updatedJuly 16, 2026
Trial IDNCT04940663 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18-55 who have experienced a psychotic disorder or mood disorder.

Probably not a fit

Patients with neurological disorders, current substance use disorders, or those not proficient in English 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 research aims to explore how social isolation and loneliness are connected to neurobehavioral mechanisms in individuals with serious mental illnesses, such as psychosis and schizophrenia. By utilizing advanced neuroimaging and smartphone-based assessments, the study will examine the dynamic interactions of these experiences in daily life and their impact on functioning. The findings could lead to new therapeutic targets to improve the quality of life for those affected by serious mental illnesses.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new treatments that enhance daily functioning and overall quality of life for individuals with serious mental illnesses.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated correlations between social isolation, loneliness, and mental health, but this approach is novel in its use of advanced neuroimaging and dynamic assessments.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18-55 years old
2. Experienced a psychotic disorder or mood disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any neurological disorder or current substance use disorder (during the past 6 months)
2. Not proficient in English
3. A recent change in medication, or an acute symptom presentation
4. Standard exclusion criteria for participation in an MRI scan (e.g., presence of metal in the body, claustrophobia, a history of head trauma).

Where it's running

  • Massachusetts General Hospital
    Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Daphne J Holt, MD, PhD — Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Daphne J Holt, MD, PhD
  • Email: dholt@partners.org
  • Phone: 617-726-7618

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.