TOPSY – The Pathophysiology Of Thought Disorder In Psychosis
This study is primarily investigating the pathophysiology of psychosis/schizophrenia among drug naive first episode psychosis patients. In addition to collecting clinical and MRI data from our primary patient population, we are also collecting data from clinical high risk/prodromal patients, chronic schizophrenia patients (>3 years in treatment), and demographically matched healthy controls. Our study will be following up first episode patients longitudinally at 6 months, 18 months, and 3 years. Recruitment is now closed for this study.
Primary funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
WOW – Cannabis Effects On White Matter Microstructure And Outcomes In Early Phase Psychosis
This study is primarily investigating the effects of cannabis use on white matter tracts in the brain. We hypothesize that cannabis use impacts white matter tract development in the brain, which then puts psychosis patients at a higher risk of poor outcomes. We collect MRI scans from age, gender, and socioeconomic status-matched healthy controls and psychosis patients who are within their first 6 months of treatment. Our study then follows up with these participants at the 12-month mark to determine if there’s any detectable long-term changes associated with cannabis use. New recruitment is now closed. We are still undertaking follow-up scans.
Primary funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
IMPLEMENT – Treatment Response for Negative Symptoms In Schizophrenia Using Magnetic Stimulation
This study aims to use repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat the most severe symptoms of schizophrenia. We are using a 3-week protocol, with 5 treatments per week of rTMS on patients with schizophrenia and psychosis. We are also collecting clinical data to determine if there are any benefits to rTMS when compared to regular antipsychotic use. Both negative and positive symptoms will be analyzed in this study. Additionally, biomarkers will be collected and analyzed with the intention of identifying which patients in the future may benefit most from an rTMS treatment plan. Recruitment is actively underway – please contact us if you are in Montreal West Island and are keen to learn more.
Primary funder: Horizon EU/ Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Discourse In Psychosis
This study aims to investigate any differences in speech and language across people with psychosis and people without psychosis. A major symptom of psychosis and schizophrenia is an inability to communicate clearly which can manifest in various ways, such as the inability to develop goal-directed speech and/or poverty of speech. Measures in this study include relapse rates, clinical characteristics, and cognition which are measured in both healthy control and patient groups. We are recruiting actively both in London, Ontario and Montreal. Please get in touch if you are interested to know more.
Primary funder: Academic Medical Organisation of Southwestern Ontario (AMOSO)
For more information on any of these studies, please contact Betsy.Schaefer@lhsc.on.ca.
