Toward a Computationally-Informed, Personalized Treatment for Hallucinations

Launched by YALE UNIVERSITY · Apr 24, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring new ways to treat auditory hallucinations, which are when people hear voices or sounds that aren’t there. These hallucinations can be very distressing, especially for those with conditions like schizophrenia. The researchers are using advanced computer models to better understand how the brain works in relation to these experiences. The goal is to develop personalized treatment options for individuals who currently do not respond well to traditional medications.

To be eligible for the study, participants need to be between 18 and 65 years old, speak English, and be right-handed. They should have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or related disorders and experience auditory hallucinations at least once a week. However, individuals with certain medical conditions, a history of substance use, or who are pregnant cannot participate. If you join the study, you can expect to work closely with the research team and undergo assessments that may help in understanding your condition better, potentially leading to new treatment options tailored just for you.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18-65
• • English speaking
• • Right handedness
• • Diagnosed with schizophrenia schizoaffective, schizophreniform, schizotypal, or brief psychotic disorder
• • History of auditory verbal hallucinations occurring at least weekly
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current substance dependence or active use as determined by drug test.
• • Any neurological, medical or developmental problem that is known to impair cognition significantly
• • Contraindications for MR scanning including metallic implants of any kind, pacemakers and history of accidents with metal, claustrophobia
• • History of seizures
• • History of violence
• • History of suicide
• • Pregnancy (determined by urine pregnancy test)
• • Concurrent participation in any other intervention study
• • History of urinary retention
• • History of delirium
• • Current use of any cholinergic or anticholinergic medication
• • History of asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
• • Evidence of cardiovascular disease on EKG
• • Individuals who have been on dopamine-2 antagonists for less than 6 months (to limit risk of EPS)