Training to improve emotion recognition in youth at risk for schizophrenia
Social Cognition in Youth Who Have a First Degree Relative With Schizophrenia
This study is testing if special training can help young people who have a family member with schizophrenia recognize emotions better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 15 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT04681807 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the social cognition abilities of youth who have a first-degree relative with schizophrenia, focusing on their ability to recognize emotions. Participants will undergo a series of social cognitive tests and fMRI scans to assess their cognitive functioning and its neural correlates. They will be randomly assigned to either an emotion recognition training program or an active control program involving commercial games. The goal is to determine if targeted training can enhance emotion recognition skills in these at-risk individuals.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are youth aged 15-25 who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Not a fit: Patients with existing mental health disorders or significant neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could improve social cognition in youth at risk for developing schizophrenia, potentially delaying or preventing the onset of the disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging evidence supporting emotion recognition training in schizophrenia, this specific approach targeting first-degree relatives is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between (or equal to) 15-25 years of age * Ability to read/speak fluent English * Diagnosis of SZ, schizoaffective disorder or schizophreniform confirmed for 1st degree relative by referring psychiatrist or two reliable informants (using the adapted FIGS questionnaire). Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of mental health disorder * Significant neurological or medical disorders that may produce cognitive impairment * Current epilepsy or previous history of seizures * Previous head injury with current continuing symptoms (i.e., cognitive ability, dizziness, etc.) * Recent history of substance abuse or dependence (within past 3 months) * MRI contraindication (e.g. metallic head implant, history of seizure, pacemaker, pregnancy, etc.) * Current IQ \< 70 as measured by the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence Scale (WASI)
Where this trial is running
Ottawa, Ontario
- The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Synthia Guimond
- Email: Synthia.Guimond@theroyal.ca
- Phone: 6137226521
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.