Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Tirzepatide on Alcohol Intake in Patients Diagnosed With Schizophrenia and Alcohol Use Disorder

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, have shown promise as a novel treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study aims to investigate whether the Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide/GLP-1RA tirzepatide will reduce alcohol consumption in patients with a dual diagnosis of AUD and schizophrenia, a population in dire need of improved treatment options. To further investigate the neurobiological underpinnings of a potential dampening effect on alcohol consumption, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain scans will be applied. The key anticipated outcomes include: * decreased alcohol consumption and * reduced alcohol cue-induced brain activity in the GIP/GLP-1-treated patient group compared with the placebo group. To the best of the investigators knowledge, this has never been examined before.

Feeling Safe Study

The goal of this study is to assess the acceptability and satisfaction with the psychological intervention Sentirnos Seguros (Feeling Safe) in people with psychotic disorders and positive delusional symptoms. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Study participants will report high levels of acceptability and satisfaction with the Sentirnos Seguros programme. * The Sentirnos Seguros intervention will be beneficial for participants at a clinical and functional level, with higher scores in the post-treatment phase compared to the pre-treatment phase.

Norwegian Mental Illness Heart Health Study

Norwegian patients with severe mental illnesses (SMI), such as schizophrenia spectrum or bipolar disorder, lose on average 10 years of life compared to mentally healthy individuals. Much of this gap is due to heart disease. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, including poor diet and physical inactivity, contribute to higher levels of metabolic risk factors for heart disease in this population. The goal of this clinical trial is to find out if a lifestyle program including dietary counselling and regular physical exercise can help people with SMI to improve their physical and mental health. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does adherence to a healthy lifestyle program lead to reduced estimated risk of heart disease? * Does it change lifestyle habits, body weight and composition, and metabolic risk markers over six months? * Can participants with severe mental illness complete a healthy lifestyle program, and do they find it acceptable? Researchers will compare two groups: one that receives the lifestyle program in addition to regular mental health care, and one that receives regular care only. During the six month program, participants in the lifestyle group will: * Meet with a clinical dietitian once a month for dietary counselling * Take part in group-based physical activity sessions once a month, and receive support to follow a personal training plan Around 70 adults will take part in the study. The results may help improve the way lifestyle support is offered to people living with severe mental illness and inform health care providers about strategies to improve physical health in this vulnerable group.

Investigation of Using Non-Wearable Devices to Assess Sleep- Disordered Breathing in Hospitalized Patients With Schizophrenia

This research project aims to evaluate the prevalence of comorbid OSA and its impact on disease progression among hospitalized schizophrenia patients using non-wearable devices.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Insight, Trauma, and Links to Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

This study aims to better understand Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) by examining the types and patterns of OCD symptom presentation. The investigators seek to determine how these symptoms impact overall daily functioning. The study will also explore factors contributing to loss of insight in individuals with OCD, focusing on the potential roles of trauma, personality traits, and disorder severity. This may assist in identifying subgroups of patients who respond more favorably to treatment. Additionally, the study will investigate how individuals with OCD and schizophrenia spectrum symptoms respond to combined sensory stimuli (e.g., auditory and tactile). The goal is to determine whether these responses are associated with specific brain processing patterns, trauma history, or characteristics of compulsive behavior. Insights from this research may help clarify why certain individuals develop repetitive behaviors such as checking and rituals. Participants will be adults aged 18 to 65 diagnosed with OCD or schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Recruitment will occur through psychiatric clinics in Parma. Participation requires signed informed consent.