Biomarkers to Enhance Early Schizophrenia Treatment
This study is recruiting participants who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis and who have certain genetic factors that may make them respond better to certain medications that are used to treat people with psychosis.
• Aged 18 to 35.
• DSM5 diagnosis (as determined by the SCID5) of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder.
• Current positive symptoms rated ≥4 (moderate) on one or more of the following BPRS positive subscale items: unusual thought content, conceptual disorganization, hallucinatory behavior, suspiciousness.
• Preserved striatal connectivity, as determined by screening MRI scan
• Absence of the MC4R high-risk genotype, as determined by genetic testing
• Absence of the HLA-DQB1 high-risk genotype, as determined by genetic testing
• In an early phase of illness as defined by having taken antipsychotic drugs for a cumulative lifetime period of 4 weeks or less (with exceptions of very low doses for other off-label indications, e.g. sleep)
• Ability to provide informed consent