This research involves the examination of speech, thinking patterns and symptoms and recordings from brain's activity in patients with schizophrenia. The reserchers are investigating if the electrical waves (recorded indirectly using the resulting magnetic field around our head) are disrupted in psychosis, especially in the language related problems seen in this disorder. To examine language, participants will be asked to complete a speech tasks using the DISCOURSE speech elicitation script in which they will be requested to share their thoughts. For this purpose, the participants will be shown some pictures and asked to describe what they see, discuss a significant event from their life and tell a story in their own words. The description of the pictures and other responses to the tasks will be audio-recorded for later transcription into a written format.
The researches will examine the brain regions using Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MEG and MRI are both non-invasive functional brain imaging technologies. MRI collects structural information and creates images of the brain while MEG collects magnetic activity from neurons, visualized as brain waves. The MRI machine uses a large magnet to help create images while MEG captures the fluctuations in the small magnetic fields resulting from brain's activity. Participants will also undergo a clinical and neurocognitive assessments.
This project design involves 50 individuals who will take part in the study; 25 affected and 25 healthy volunteers aged 18 to 50 years.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
18 Years
Max age
50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
1. Patients:
Inclusion Criteria:
* Clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia as per DSM-5 criteria.
* Aged between 18 and 50 years.
* In a stable phase of the illness (no change in Global Functioning \> 10 units within 1 month before the MEG scan assessed using the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale).
Exclusion Criteria:
* Inability to speak English or French.
* History of head trauma, major neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy), somatic disorders with neurological complaints (e.g., multiple sclerosis), or intellectual disabilities.
* Diagnosis of substance use disorder (current or within the last year) as per DSM-5.
* Unsuitable for MRI due to safety concerns (e.g., metal in the body, pregnancy, tinnitus).
2. Healthy Controls
Inclusion Criteria:
* Healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 50 years.
* Matched to patients for age (within 2 years), sex, and parental occupational status (rated by NS-SEC).
Exclusion Criteria:
* Inability to speak English or French.
* History of head trauma, major neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy), somatic disorders with neurological complaints (e.g., multiple sclerosis), or intellectual disabilities.
* Diagnosis of substance use disorder (current or within the last year) as per DSM-5.
* Personal or family history of psychotic disorder.
* Unsuitable for MRI due to safety concerns (e.g., metal in the body, pregnancy, tinnitus).
Primary outcome measure(s)
Beta-band Oscillatory Power derived from Magnetoencephalography — baseline The measurement of beta-band oscillatory activity in response to a motor task to assess neurophysiological abnormalities in the temporal regularity of neural activity within the beta-band frequency. These measurements will be obtained using magnetoencephalography (MEG), which captures the oscillatory patterns of brain activity. The focus will be on how these patterns deviate in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls. The primary outcome will assess beta-band power in relation to disorganization in speech.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
Douglas Mental Health University Institute
Montreal
Quebec
More Douglas Mental Health University Institute trials in Canada
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
We use cookies to analyse site traffic and improve your experience. With your consent, we may also use cookies for advertising. You can change your choice at any time.