1. Are there differences in the trajectories of brain volume change with age between patients and healthy individuals (longitudinal design)?2. What are the effects of age on white matter integrity in healthy subjects and do patients show…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
What are the age-related trajectories of brain change in patients with
schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder, relative to
healthy individuals?
Secondary outcome
Are the age-related brain changes seen in patients clinically relevant, i.e.
the association with medication intake, outcome and symptoms will be tested.
Can the age-related brain changes be explained by genetic or environmental
factors?
Background summary
Despite separate studies in first-episode and chronically ill schizophrenia
patients investigating brain changes over time, there are few studies examining
the trajectory of brain changes in schizophrenia across the course of the
illness. Considering the magnitude of the reported changes in brain volume over
time it is unlikely that these changes are linear over the life-span of the
schizophrenic illness. Thus, one would expect the progression in brain volume
decrease to depend on the stage of the illness. Longitudinal (and
cross-sectional) studies across the adult age range can provide insight in the
age-related trajectories of brain changes.
Study objective
1. Are there differences in the trajectories of brain volume change with age
between patients and healthy individuals (longitudinal design)?
2. What are the effects of age on white matter integrity in healthy subjects
and do patients show differential age affects on these measurements
(cross-sectional design)?
3. What are the effects of age on the resting state of the brain in healthy
subjects and do patients show differential age affects on these measurements
(cross-sectional design)?
4. Are the age effects on brain changes in patients with schizophrenia
clinically relevant? Association with antipsychotic medication, outcome, and
symptomatology will be investigated.
5. How do gene-environment interactions explain the age-related brain changes
in schizophrenia?
Study design
cross-sectional and longitudinal two-group experimental study, with diagnosis
as independent variabel.
Study burden and risks
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan session of approximately 50 minutes
will be performed: MRI is a non-invasive technique, so there is no need for
special preparation for the subject. There are no known risks associated with
the MRI acquisition and the data are solely used for research purposes.
However, structural cerebral pathology may be noticed. If medical treatment is
indicated, the subject will be notified.
From each participant a small amount (4 x 10 ml) of EDTA blood will be taken,
by means of a venapuncture. On request, the skin can be locally anesthetized
prior to the venapuncture. If the participant refuses the puncture, a cotton
swab of buccal mucosa can be taken. Since the number of blood samples is
limited and the samples are small, the burden for participating subjects is
expected to be negligible.
No immediate benefits are to be expected from participation in this study for
the subjects. In the long run, increased understanding of the etiology and
pathophysiology of psychiatric illness in general and schizophrenia and bipolar
disorder in particular, may contribute to diagnosis, early detection and/or
prediction of treatment outcome.
Heidelberglaan 100
3584 CX utrecht
NL
Heidelberglaan 100
3584 CX utrecht
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Subjects have to satisfy the following criteria in order to participate in the study:
- Do not have a pacemaker
- Do not have metal materials in the head (except for dental braces)
- Give written informed consent
- Do not have a major medical history;Specific for patients:
- Do have a DSM-IV diagnosis of Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder or Bipolar disorder, or expereince a first psychotic episode
- Do not chronically use medication, other than psychiatric medication
- Unable to give consent;Specific to healthy subjects:
- Do not have a psychiatric history
- Do not have a first-degree family member with a psychiatric illness
- Do not chronically use medication
Exclusion criteria
- Ferrous objects in or around the body (e.g. braces, glasses, pacemaker, metal fragments)
- Drug or alcohol abuse over a period of six months prior to the experiment
- History of closed-head injury
- History of neurological illness or endocrinological dysfunction
- Claustrophobia
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL18110.041.07 |