Understanding Apathy in Psychiatric Conditions
Cognitive and Neural Mechanisms of Multidimensional Apathy in Psychiatric Pathologies
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 144 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Strasbourg, France Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Strasbourg) |
| Trial ID | NCT04757220 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 60 diagnosed with schizophrenia or depression.
Not a fit: Patients with major somatic disorders, neurological abnormalities, or those with substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Strasbourg
- 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
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.