Commonwealth Research Center
Schizophrenia & Reward Project
Background For Study
Alcohol and other substance use disorders (A/SUD) are the most common co-occurring condition in patients with schizophrenia, and problems resulting from A/SUD contribute strikingly to the overall severity of schizophrenia. Earlier studies suggest that there may be a link between how patients with schizophrenia experience rewards and A/SUD. Dysfunctional reward circuitry in the brain may itself underlie the use of substances.
Investigators at the CRC have hypothesized that clozapine, through its broad spectrum of effects in the brain, may help to normalize dysfunctional dopamine-mediated brain reward circuits in these patients. Indeed, our preliminary data suggest that clozapine limits alcohol and substance use in these patients. Through this study, we intend to gather more information to better understand why clozapine is effective in reducing A/SUD in schizophrenia and elucidate the potential impact of clozapine on the brain reward system further.
Some parts of the reward study have already been completed. In the past, we had assessed brain reward processing in schizophrenia through four different neurobehavioral tasks: 1) looking at pretty faces, 2) listening to sounds and viewing letters, 3) rating how hot or cold different temperatures feel, and 4) smelling and rating different odors.
We have completed the parts of the study using the first 3 tasks, but we are still carrying out the study using the 4th task: smelling and rating different odors. This task is a safe and economical way to assess brain reward circuitry, and could potentially be regularly used in assessing the effectiveness of treatments in patients.
What happens in this study?
All aspects of this study are being conducted at Massachusetts Mental Health Center. Three different groups of male participants between the ages of 18-60 will be evaluated for this study: 1) patients with schizophrenia who are taking Haldol or Prolixin, 2) patients with schizophrenia who are treated with clozapine, and 3) healthy control subjects. It is important to note that all patients stay on their current medication – medication regimens are not changed during the course of this study.
All participants will first be evaluated to determine eligibility. There will be interviews, including questions about emotional and physical health, and there may also be a breathalyzer test and a urine sample (to determine any recent alcohol or other drug use). We also give a very brief reading test to determine general reading abilities. After eligibility is determined, actual experimentation with smelling and rating the odors is conducted. Compensation is $40 for about 2 hours of participation.
To receive more information about this study or to discuss participation, contact the Principal Investigator:
Dr. Raquelle Mesholam-Gately:
Phone: 617-626-9409