Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Auditory Localization in Schizophrenia

This study is exploring how people with a recent first episode of psychosis, which is when someone first experiences symptoms like hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there, are able to tell where sounds are coming from. The researchers also want to compare this to people who don't have psychosis. They'll be looking at whether moving your head helps with finding where a sound is, and if being in a noisy place makes it harder. The study also investigates if difficulties with locating sounds are linked to problems in working out if information comes from inside your own mind or from the outside world. Understanding these connections could help us learn more about schizophrenia and how to support people from the very beginning of their illness.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Hôpital le Vinatier

Enrolment target

Start

30 Jun 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2028

Auditory Perception

What is this study about?

Imagine you hear a car horn – you instantly know roughly where it came from, even without looking. This ability is called 'auditory localization', and it's how our brains figure out the direction and distance of a sound. For most of us, it's something we do automatically, using clues like how loud the sound is or which ear hears it first. We can also move our heads to get a better sense of where the sound is coming from.

This study is designed to understand if people who have recently experienced their first episode of psychosis, a condition often linked to schizophrenia, have difficulties with this skill. We know that conditions like schizophrenia can affect how the brain processes sounds, and sometimes people might struggle to tell if a voice they hear is real or imagined. Researchers want to see if problems with locating sounds in space might be connected to these challenges. They also want to understand if these difficulties appear early on in the illness when treatments often work best.

The study will compare people who have had a first episode of psychosis with healthy volunteers. By doing this, they hope to learn more about how the brain works in these conditions. This research could help us better understand the symptoms of schizophrenia and potentially lead to new ways to help people in the future, particularly those in the early stages of the illness.

Key takeaways

The study investigates how people with a first episode of psychosis locate sounds.
It compares sound localization abilities between those with psychosis and healthy individuals.
Researchers will explore if head movements or noisy environments affect sound perception.
The study aims to link sound localization issues to difficulties telling real thoughts from imagined ones.
Participation involves one session of listening and thinking tasks, lasting about 2.5 hours.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35. This includes people who have recently experienced a first episode of psychosis, as well as healthy individuals who do not have any mental health conditions.

To join, you need to have good vision (glasses or contact lenses are fine), be able to understand instructions, and be a fluent speaker, reader, and writer of French. You also need to be part of the social security system in France.

Unfortunately, you won't be able to take part if you've already been diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, or brief psychotic disorder. Also, if you're already receiving early intervention treatment specifically for first psychotic episodes, you wouldn't be eligible for this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 35 years old?
Do you speak, read, and write French fluently?
Do you have normal or corrected-to-normal vision?
Have you recently experienced a first episode of psychosis (if applicable to that group)?
Have you *not* been previously diagnosed with conditions like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll come to a single session that will last about two and a half hours. During this time, you'll complete several tasks that involve listening and thinking.

One main part is an 'auditory localization' task. You'll wear special headphones and be placed in a virtual reality setting, made to feel like you're in a room where sounds are coming from different directions. You'll hear sounds in both quiet and noisy environments. Sometimes your head will need to stay still, and other times you'll be able to move it around to help you locate the sounds. Your main job will be to pinpoint where each sound comes from.

You'll also do a 'source monitoring' task. This involves listening to words or imagining yourself listening to words, and then you'll need to remember and decide if you actually heard them or just thought you did. There are no medications involved in this study, and no follow-up visits after the single session.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help researchers understand more about how the brain processes sounds in people with psychosis, which could eventually lead to better support and understanding. There are no direct medical benefits to you personally. The main risks are minor and temporary, such as feeling a bit tired or bored during the tasks, or mild discomfort from wearing headphones for a prolonged period. You are free to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, and you don't need to explain why.

Locations (1)

Centre hospitalier le Vinatier
Verified postcode
Bron, France

Common questions

What is a 'first episode of psychosis'?

It's the first time someone experiences symptoms like hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there) or delusions (strong beliefs not based in reality).

What does 'auditory localization' mean?

It's your ability to figure out where a sound is coming from in your environment, like knowing if a car horn is to your left or right.

Will I have to take any medication?

No, this study does not involve any medication. It's all about doing listening and thinking tasks.

How long will the study take?

The entire study will be completed in one session, lasting about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, absolutely. You can withdraw from the study at any point without needing to give a reason.

How to find out more

Lydie SARTELET, Sponsor project manager

lydie.sartelet@ch-le-vinatier.fr 0437915531 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.