Personalized treatment approach for auditory hallucinations
Official title: Toward a Computationally-Informed, Personalized Treatment for Hallucinations
Run by Yale University · NCT04366518 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new personalized treatment for people with psychotic disorders who hear voices and haven't found relief with regular medications.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 35 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Yale University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New Haven, Connecticut) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 15, 2021 |
| Main results expected | August 2032 |
| Study ends | August 2032 |
| Registry record updated | June 5, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04366518 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English-speaking individuals aged 18-65 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or related conditions, who experience weekly auditory verbal hallucinations.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with current substance dependence, significant cognitive impairments, or certain medical conditions 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 study aims to develop a personalized treatment for individuals experiencing auditory hallucinations, a common and distressing symptom of psychotic disorders. By utilizing computational modeling to understand the brain activity associated with these hallucinations, researchers will explore pharmacological interventions that target specific underlying mechanisms. Participants will undergo a series of auditory and visual stimulus pairings to elicit hallucinatory experiences, which will help inform tailored treatment strategies. The study focuses on individuals who have not responded to traditional antipsychotic medications, aiming to improve their quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide more effective treatment options for patients with auditory hallucinations who do not respond to standard medications.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using computational modeling and personalized treatment is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding and treating auditory hallucinations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 * English speaking * Right handedness * Diagnosed with schizophrenia schizoaffective, schizophreniform, schizotypal, or brief psychotic disorder * History of auditory verbal hallucinations occurring at least weekly Exclusion Criteria: * Current substance dependence or active use as determined by drug test. * Any neurological, medical or developmental problem that is known to impair cognition significantly * Contraindications for MR scanning including metallic implants of any kind, pacemakers and history of accidents with metal, claustrophobia * History of seizures * History of violence * History of suicide * Pregnancy (determined by urine pregnancy test) * Concurrent participation in any other intervention study * History of urinary retention * History of delirium * Current use of any cholinergic or anticholinergic medication * History of asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease * Evidence of cardiovascular disease on EKG * Individuals who have been on dopamine-2 antagonists for less than 6 months (to limit risk of EPS)
Where it's running
-
Connecticut Mental Health Center
New Haven, Connecticut, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Albert Powers, MD, PhD — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Albert Powers, MD, PhD
- Email: albert.powers@yale.edu
- Phone: 203-974-7329
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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.