CHAPAS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
CHaracterization of APAthy in Schizophrenia (CHAPAS study)
IRAS ID
237532
Contact name
Emilio Fernandez-Egea
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
R&D Department
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 1 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 brain 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 computer based model analyses. A total of 40 chronic schizophrenia patients will be assessed, with a range of symptom severity. 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 of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/EE/0178
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion