Understanding Apathy in Psychiatric Conditions
Official title: Cognitive and Neural Mechanisms of Multidimensional Apathy in Psychiatric Pathologies
Run by University Hospital, Strasbourg, France · NCT04757220 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to understand the different types of apathy in people with conditions like schizophrenia and depression by looking at their brain activity while they do tasks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 144 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Strasbourg, France Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Strasbourg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 5, 2022 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04757220 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 60 diagnosed with schizophrenia or depression.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with major somatic disorders, neurological abnormalities, or those with substance use disorders 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 explore the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying apathy, a common symptom in psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and depression. By employing a multidimensional model, the research distinguishes between three forms of apathy: executive, emotional, and auto-activation/initiative. Participants will engage in cognitive tasks while their brain activity is recorded using EEG, allowing researchers to identify specific cognitive deficits associated with each form of apathy. The findings could enhance our understanding of this debilitating symptom and inform future treatment approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for apathy in patients with schizophrenia and depression.
How similar studies have gone: While the study addresses a prevalent issue, the multidimensional approach to understanding apathy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion criteria (all subjects): * age between 18 and 60 years * men or women volunteers, hospitalized or not * subject affiliated to an health insurance * subject having signed an informed consent Inclusion criteria (for schizophrenic patients): \- presence of DSM-V TR criteria for schizophrenia (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) Inclusion criteria (for depressive patients): \- presence of DSM-V TR criteria for depression (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) Exclusion Criteria: * a major or non stabilized somatic disorder * medical history likely to affect cerebral anatomy or linked to an abnormality (neonatal distress, neurochirurgical intervention, neurological disorders, stroke attack) * any disorders involved in the use of a psycho-active substance (as defined by the DSM-IV) * sensory disabling impairments, and specifically visual acuity \< 8 * general anaesthesia during the 3 months before the study * pregnancy (declared by the subject) * persons in an emergency situation * persons deprived in any way of their liberty * persons in period of exclusion in an other protocol Exclusion criteria (for controls): \- use of psychotropic substance during the 3 weeks before the study Exclusion criteria (for patients): \- use of benzodiazepines
Where it's running
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Service de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg
Strasbourg, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fabrice Berna, MD
- Email: fabrice.berna@chru-strasbourg.fr
- Phone: 00333
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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IRL757 for treating apathy in Parkinson's disease.
This study will test whether the medication IRL757 is safe, easy to tolerate, and helps reduce apathy in people aged 50–90 with Parkinson's disease.
-
Robotic technologies to reduce apathy in dementia
This project will test whether two different home-based robotic programs can help people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia who have apathy become more motivated and engaged compared with standard occupational therapy.
-
Accelerated brain stimulation for apathy in Parkinson's disease
This pilot will see if an accelerated form of intermittent theta-burst brain stimulation can reduce apathy in people with Parkinson's disease.
-
Brain stimulation plus methylphenidate for apathy in Alzheimer's
This trial will test whether combining short sessions of noninvasive brain stimulation (intermittent theta burst) with methylphenidate can reduce apathy in people with Alzheimer's disease or mixed Alzheimer's/vascular dementia.
-
Personalized digital reminiscence therapy for older adults with mild neurocognitive disorders
This project will test whether daily personalized digital reminiscence sessions delivered by a conversational agent can help older adults with mild neurocognitive disorders who have apathy or mild depression.
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Esketamine nasal spray for people with treatment-resistant depression in routine care
This study will try esketamine nasal spray in adults with treatment-resistant depression to see how well it works and how safe it is in everyday clinical settings.
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.