Using low-dose Buprenorphine to improve social motivation in schizophrenia
Low-dose Buprenorphine as a Modulator of Social Motivation in Schizophrenia
This study is testing if low-dose Buprenorphine can help people with schizophrenia feel more motivated to engage in social activities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05778591 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 with a DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia who demonstrate low social motivation.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of serious head injury, significant neurological or cardiovascular conditions, or those currently using opioid medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve social engagement and quality of life for patients with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of Buprenorphine for social motivation in schizophrenia is a novel approach, its application in treating other conditions has shown promise.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- UCLA Semel Institute — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Gerard De Vera
- Email: gdevera@mednet.ucla.edu
- Phone: 3107945577
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.