Glutamatergic Amino Acids and Oxytocin Levels in the Plasma of Patients in First Psychotic Episode (FPE)- Before and After Neuroleptic Treatment

Sponsor

Shalvata Mental Health Center (Other)

Overall Status

Unknown status

CT.gov ID

NCT00789022

Collaborator

(none)

Enrollment

Location

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

The goal of our research is to check the levels of D-Serine, Glycine, and other Glutamatergic amino acids, in patients with First Psychotic Episode (FPE). These patients are in the early stage of the disease, treated with neuroleptics for short periods of time, and are usually hospitalized for the first time. The hypothesis of the research is that we will find low levels of Glycine and D-Serine in these patients. Following an Anti-psychotic treatment we will expect these levels to return to the norm, and that this correction will be accompanied by a reduction of positive and negative symptoms.

In addition, we will check the D-Serine and Glycine levels in the plasma of first degree relatives of the patients and a group of healthy subjects. The results of this study might support the hypothesis that the Glutamatergic system in involved in the pathology of Schizophrenia from it's early stages.

In addition, we will check the levels of Oxytocin and Estrogen in the plasma of patients in FPE. Our hypothesis is that we will find low levels of Estrogen and High levels of Oxytocin in this group of patients. The results of the study might support the hypothesis that Estrogen and Oxytocin are involved in the pathology of Schizophrenia from it's early stages.

Condition or Disease	Intervention/Treatment	Phase
Schizophrenia Schizophreniform Schizoaffective Disorder Brief Psychotic Episode

Study Design

Study Type:

Observational

Anticipated Enrollment :

80 participants

Time Perspective:

Prospective

Study Start Date :

Jan 1, 2009

Anticipated Primary Completion Date :

Jul 1, 2010

Arms and Interventions

Arm	Intervention/Treatment
1 40 subjects in a First Psychotic Episode
2 20 First Degree relatives
3 20 Healthy subjects

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

Glycine and D-Serine levels in the plasma. [6-8 weeks]

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years to 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Inclusion Criteria:

Subjects between 18-60 years
Clinical Diagnosis of Schizophrenia, Schizophreniphorm disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, Brief esychotic episode

Exclusion Criteria:

two years or more of positive symptoms
Neuroleptic treatment for more then twe weeks in the prior month, or for more then six weeks at any time.
Drug induced psychotic episode