Pittsburgh, PANCT06562608Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Schizophrenia Clinical Trial in Pittsburgh, PA

Access cutting-edge schizophrenia treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Pittsburgh. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by Deepak K. Sarpal, M.D.

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Expert Care in Pittsburgh

Access schizophrenia specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related schizophrenia treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this schizophrenia clinical trial in Pittsburgh, PA

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Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Pittsburgh

    Convenient for PA residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Pittsburgh site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Schizophrenia Study in Pittsburgh

In this study, the investigators will examine whether a deprescription of unnecessary anticholinergic drugs (benztropine or trihexyphenidyl) can augment quality of life, functioning, and neurocognition in individuals who with schizophrenia. Individuals identified by clinical services who have unneeded prescriptions benztropine or trihexyphenidyl will be eligible for deprescription and study entry. Following a baseline evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), participants will will be randomized to either staying on their anticholinergic drugs or undergoing deprescription per routine clinical care, and will undergo follow-up evaluations across 6 months. The investigators predict that reducing and deprescribing these drug, if clinically determined to be unnecessary will will enhance functioning, neurocognition

Sponsor: Deepak K. Sarpal, M.D.

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Primary DSM-defined diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or unspecified psychotic disorder, verified by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID).
Prescription of benztropine or trihexyphenidyl for at least 6 months
Age 35-70 years.
ACBS score \>= 3.
Mild or absent extrapyramidal symptoms (Determined by clinical pharmacists and prescribers).
Competency and willingness to sign informed consent. Inclusion criteria for the healthy control group:
Age 40-70 years.
Competency and willingness to sign informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

Serious anticholinergic side-effects (e.g., fever, blurred vision) indicative of a need for immediate removal of anticholinergics,
Serious neurologic or medical condition/treatment that impacts the brain and Neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's, dementia, etc.; autoimmune conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and lupus; as well as traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Significant risk of suicidal or homicidal behavior.
Cognitive or language limitations, or any other factor that would preclude subjects providing informed consent.
Contraindications for MR imaging (e.g., a pacemaker).
Current SCID-verified substance use disorder will be excluded to avoid the confounding impact of significant substance use comorbidity. Participants with a history of substance use disorder that is in early or full remission will be eligible, to enhance generalizability.
Patients concurrently treated with electroconvulsive therapy will be excluded because of its effects on cognition. Exclusion criteria for Healthy Control (HC) subjects:
No history of psychotic illness and no active Axis I disorder as determined by clinical interview using the SCID-NP.
Score greater than 1 on the ACB scale.
MR imaging contraindications.
Neurologic conditions, any serious non-psychiatric disorder that could affect brain functioning, or intellectual disability.
HC with family history of psychosis will be excluded, as such individuals show subtle, but significant cognitive and neurobiological abnormalities.
Individuals currently taking anticholinergic medications for reasons other than SSD.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Pittsburgh?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT06562608) has an active research site in Pittsburgh, PA that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Schizophrenia Treatment Options in Pittsburgh, PA

If you're searching for schizophrenia treatment options in Pittsburgh, PA, this clinical trial (NCT06562608) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Pittsburgh research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced schizophrenia specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all schizophrenia clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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