Treatment for stimulant misuse and psychosis

Substance Misuse To Psychosis for Stimulants (SToP-S)--An Early Assertive Pharmacotherapy Intervention Study

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional The University of Hong Kong · NCT03485417

This study is testing whether long-acting injections of antipsychotic medications can help people in Hong Kong who misuse stimulants and have psychosis feel better and reduce their symptoms.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT03485417 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of long-acting injectable antipsychotics, specifically aripiprazole and paliperidone, in treating individuals with stimulant use disorder who also experience psychosis. It aims to provide an evidence-based pharmacotherapy intervention to prevent the progression of substance dependence and related psychiatric disorders. The study will focus on patients in Hong Kong who have a history of stimulant misuse and psychotic symptoms, utilizing a combination of medication and standard treatment approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with stimulant use disorder who exhibit psychotic symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of schizophrenia or other substance-induced psychotic disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve treatment adherence and outcomes for patients with stimulant-induced psychosis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using long-acting injectable antipsychotics for similar patient populations, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

• Stimulant use disorder with psychosis or positive stimulant urine test results twice in a month with psychosis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \<16 years old
* Unable to read English or Chinese
* Unable to give informed consent
* Had been diagnosed to have Intellectual Disabilities (DSM-5) or Mental Retardation (ICD-10 F70-73)
* Had been diagnosed to have Schizophrenia
* Had been diagnosed to have other substance-induced psychotic or mood disorder, including alcohol
* Had been diagnosed to have bipolar disorder viii. Had been diagnosed to have major depressive disorder with psychotic features
* Had been taking any maintenance dose of oral antipsychotics continuously ≥12 weeks AND with psychotic symptoms in remission
* Had been receiving any maintenance dose of long-acting injectable (LAI/depot) antipsychotics continuously ≥4 month AND with psychotic symptoms in remission
* Had known hypersensitivity to risperidone (oral or LAI), paliperidone (oral or LAI), or aripiprazole (oral or LAI)
* Had known history of tardive dyskinesia
* Had known history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
* Pregnant
* Mother currently breast-feeding
* Had history of prolonged corrected QT interval (QTc) ≥500ms and/or known unstable or untreated cardiac disorder
* Had mild to severe renal impairment with Glomerular Filtration Rate \<80 mililitre /min

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stimulant Use With Stimulant-Induced Psychotic DisorderSchizophrenia and Related DisordersStimulant DependenceStimulant AbusePharmacotherapystimulantpsychosisschizophrenia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.