White Matter Plasticity in Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are associated with impairment in the microstructure of white matter, the key brain tissue responsible for fast communication between different brain regions necessary for any complex task. This white matter impairment is linked to problems with cognition in schizophrenia, especially slower processing speed. This project aims to study the potential for correcting white matter deficits in schizophrenia by examining mechanisms underlying white matter structure changes in response to training on playing a mock musical instrument.

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Key information

Conditions

Schizophrenia Disorders Mental Disorders Schizophrenia Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Age range

15 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Catonsville, Maryland, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, or psychosis NOS
age 15-45
able to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

contraindications to MRI (metal implants, claustrophobia)
medical condition that limits use of hands (ie, arthritis)
Active or recent (within 6 months) substance use disorder other than nicotine

Treatment and study plan

Music video game

Behavioral

The video game 'Guitar Hero' will be used as the platform for training for participants to acquire a new 'skill'

Primary outcomes

White matter microstructure

Time frame: 3 weeks

fractional anisotropy of white matter tracts as assessed with diffusion tensor imaging

Secondary outcomes

Brain level of N-acetylaspartate

Time frame: 3 weeks

NAA levels in motor cortex of brain as measured with magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Joshua J Chiappelli, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

4104026827

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Oct 15, 2024
Registry last updated: Feb 20, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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