RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

EEG Microstates Across At-Risk Mental States

This study aims to understand how tiny, quick changes in brain electrical activity, called 'EEG microstates,' are connected to mental health conditions. Researchers are studying young people aged 15-30 who have or are at risk of conditions like early psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, and autism, as well as healthy volunteers. They want to see if these brain patterns can help doctors better understand, predict, and ultimately treat these conditions. Participants will have brain scans, sleep studies, voice recordings, and other assessments. The study also explores how hypnotic states might affect brain activity in healthy individuals. The goal is to find new ways to spot and support individuals with these mental health challenges.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier St Anne

Enrolment target

126

Start

30 May 2023

Estimated completion

30 Jul 2026

Psychotic Disorders Autism Spectrum Disorder Major Depressive Disorder Schizophrenia

What is this study about?

This research study is about understanding how the brain works in young people (aged 15-30) who are experiencing or are at risk of certain mental health conditions. Think of your brain activity like a constantly changing dance. Scientists have spotted very brief, flickering patterns in brain waves, called 'EEG microstates,' which are like short dance moves. This study wants to see if these specific brain 'dance moves' look different in people with conditions like early psychosis, schizophrenia, depression, and autism spectrum disorder, compared to healthy individuals.

The main idea is to find out if these brain patterns could be early warning signs or a way to track how a condition might progress. For example, if a certain brain pattern is common in people who go on to develop psychosis, it could help doctors identify those at most risk and offer support earlier. The study also looks at whether these brain patterns change when people are resting, sleeping, or doing certain tasks, and how they relate to other things like how people understand what's happening around them or how they express themselves.

In addition to learning about these brain patterns, the study will also explore other aspects of health. For example, a small part of the study will gently introduce light hypnosis to healthy volunteers to see how their brain activity changes. By bringing all this information together, the researchers hope to gain a much clearer picture of how psychiatric conditions affect the brain and, in the long term, develop better ways to diagnose and help young people struggling with these challenges.

Key takeaways

Looks at brain activity in young people (15-30) with or at risk of mental health conditions.
Aims to understand if specific brain patterns, called 'EEG microstates,' are linked to these conditions.
Involves brain scans (EEG, MRI), sleep studies, voice recordings, and other assessments.
No new medications are given; it's an observational study.
Light hypnosis is only part of the study for healthy volunteers.
Your participation could help improve future understanding and support for mental health.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for young people aged 15 to 30. You might be eligible if you have certain mental health conditions or are at risk of developing them. This includes individuals who are showing very early or mild signs that could indicate a risk of psychosis, or those experiencing their first episode of psychosis. People with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, major depression, or autism spectrum disorder are also invited to participate.

They are also looking for healthy volunteers of the same age range who do not have any diagnosed mental health conditions.

However, you won't be able to join if you have a high risk of suicide, certain serious physical or brain health problems like epilepsy or a recent severe head injury, or a very low IQ (below 70). If you are a healthy volunteer, you won't be able to join if psychosis runs in your close family. Also, if you have bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or a significant drug dependency (other than cannabis use below a certain level), you won't be eligible.

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 15 and 30 years old?
Do you have an early psychosis risk, first-episode psychosis, depression, schizophrenia, or autism?
Are you a healthy volunteer without a mental health diagnosis (and no family history of psychosis)?
Do you have any serious ongoing physical or brain conditions (like epilepsy or recent severe head injury)?
Do you have bipolar disorder, OCD, or a significant drug problem (excluding certain cannabis use)?
Is your IQ above 70?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will go through several assessments. This includes talking with researchers about your thoughts and feelings, and completing some tests that look at how your brain works. You will have a special brain scan called an EEG, where small sensors are placed on your scalp to record electrical activity – this will include a period of rest and a simple task. If you are a healthy volunteer, you’ll also experience a period of light hypnosis during the EEG.

You will also have a sleep study, where you stay overnight and sensors monitor your brain waves and other body functions while you sleep. Your voice will be recorded to analyse its tone and patterns. There will also be an MRI scan, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your brain, and some blood samples will be taken for more detailed biological tests. Finally, you might get to try a virtual reality experience. The exact number of visits and the total time commitment will be explained to you, but the assessments will be spread out.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer you the benefit of a detailed assessment of your mental health and brain activity, which could give you a better understanding of yourself. You would also be contributing valuable information that could help future generations dealing with similar challenges. Potential risks are generally low; some procedures like blood tests might cause minor discomfort, and the EEG or MRI can feel a bit strange or restrictive. The light hypnosis is designed to be gentle, but if at any point you feel uncomfortable or want to stop, you are free to withdraw from any part of the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your care.

Locations (1)

Centre de Recherche Clinique, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an 'EEG microstate'?

It's like a very brief, quickly changing pattern of electrical activity in your brain. Scientists think these patterns are important for how the brain processes information.

Will I have to take any new medicines in this study?

No, this is an 'observational' study, which means researchers are just watching and recording things. You won't be given any new medicines as part of this research.

What does 'light hypnosis' involve?

It's a very gentle state of focused attention and relaxation, similar to daydreaming. It's safe and you'll be aware and in control throughout.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

The study involves several assessments, including an overnight stay for the sleep study. The research team will give you a full schedule detailing the time commitment.

Will my information be kept private?

Yes, all your personal and medical information will be kept strictly confidential. Your name won't be linked to your study data in any reports or publications.

How to find out more

Anton Iftimovici, MD, PhD

anton.iftimovici@ghu-paris.fr 0033(0)145658179 Official trial record

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