Using low-dose Buprenorphine to improve social motivation in schizophrenia

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of low-dose Buprenorphine on social motivation in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Social motivation deficits are a significant challenge for patients, leading to decreased engagement in social activities. The study aims to determine if Buprenorphine can enhance approach motivation and reduce avoidance motivation, potentially addressing a critical unmet need in schizophrenia treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Buprenorphine or a placebo, with careful monitoring of their social motivation levels.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Ages 18-60
2. able to understand spoken English sufficiently to comprehend testing procedures
3. score below the mean of participants screened previously screened on the Lubben Social Network Scale
4. DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia
5. clinical stability (i.e., no inpatient hospitalizations for six months prior to enrollment, no changes in medication in for 6 months prior to enrollment, no current positive symptoms greater than moderate)

c) no history of IQ less than 70 or developmental disability, based on medical history d) no current use of opioid medication e) no clinically significant neurological disease (e.g., epilepsy), cardiovascular condition (e.g. cardiac arrhythmia), or respiratory condition (e.g., asthma) based on medical history

1. no history of serious head injury (i.e., loss of consciousness longer than 1 hour, neuropsychological sequelae, cognitive rehabilitation treatment after head injury) based on medical history
2. no substance or alcohol use disorder in the past six months, or history of opioid use disorder
3. no sedatives, benzodiazepines within 24 hours of testing
4. no positive urine toxicology screen or visible intoxication on the day of assessment
5. no women who are pregnant or think that they might be pregnant, based on self-report and urine test

Where it's running

• UCLA Semel Institute
  Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Gerard De Vera
• Email: gdevera@mednet.ucla.edu
• Phone: 3107945577

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.