Characterization of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterization of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia (CONS-Schizophrenia). Testing a new cognitive model for understanding negative symptoms
IRAS ID
174583
Contact name
Emilio Fernandez-Egea
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
R&D Department
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 13 days
Research summary
Schizophrenia affects 1% of the population and is a leading cause of disability and economic burden. Schizophrenia symptoms are divided into positive (delusions and hallucinations), negative (poor motivation and emotional life) and cognitive (memory and attentional deficits). About half of patients will develop chronic disability, mostly due to either persistent positive symptoms or by predominantly negative/cognitive symptoms.
The cognitive processes (how the brain organises its functions) that lead to the emergence of positive symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations, have been addressed in numerous studies, in part using computer generated models of brain functioning. However, the understanding of the cognitive mechanism(s) underlying negative symptoms is still very limited.
In this project, we aim to understand the cognitive mechanism of schizophrenia symptoms. We will use a novel computer generated task, based on the way how the brain learns and processes new information (a learning task). we will then generate different computational model-based analyses. A total of 60 chronic schizophrenia patients will be assessed, with a wide range of symptoms (predominantly positive symptoms, negative symptoms or in complete clinical remission). Computer based tasks and symptoms severity scales will be also included in the evaluations, to a maximum of 3 hours of assessments (which could be done in one, two o three days, depending of volunteers preferences).
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0170
Date of REC Opinion
23 Apr 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion