Early Psychosis: Investigating Cognition (EPIC)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Glutamate changes as a new neurocognitive marker in psychosis
IRAS ID
346223
Contact name
Claudia Danielmeier
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Cognitive impairments occur in up to 80% of people with psychosis. Current interventions are effective for some, but not all, individuals with psychosis. To increase the amount of viable and effective treatment options, a personalised approach based on improved understanding into the variability in cognitive impairments in psychosis is needed. This Wellcome Trust funded project aims to explore perceptions of cognitive impairment and treatment from those with first-hand experience (Study 2); to explore a potential neurochemical marker (glutamate levels, in particular) for cognitive functioning with a focus on working memory (Study 1a); and to assess how this marker may predict changes in response to a single 'accelerated’ session of non-invasive brain stimulation using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) (study 1a). Additionally, the study aims to explore the effects of accelerated tDCS on neurochemistry in individuals with first episode psychosis (FEP) (Study 1b). Through these three interconnected studies using functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy, tDCS and interview approaches, we aim to better understand and inform potential future treatment options for cognitive impairment in psychosis.
The data collection phase of the study will last approximately 12-30 months. An additional year will be spent on analysis and write up. In total, a participant’s involvement will take up to 3 months for Study 1 and 1 month for Study 2, including initial contact and recruitment.
FEP participants will typically take part in 1-5 sessions across studies. Study 1a involves the completion of two sessions which should be approximately 1-7 days apart and a 2-month follow-up. Participants also taking part in study 1b will do so on the same day as part 2 of study 1a. Study 2 may be completed before or after studies 1a and 1b or independently of them. Control participants will only be invited to take part in some aspects of 1a.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0427
Date of REC Opinion
18 Aug 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion