Project Summary

Nicola G. Cascella, M.D. (Young Investigator 2000) of Johns Hopkins University, is comparing negative symptoms between patients with schizophrenia and those with closed head injury.  Previous work suggests that patients with head injury have a high rate of negative symptoms.  Dr. Cascella will use clinical measures and structural imaging to elucidate the clinical and pathological features of schizophrenic patients with the deficit syndrome (primary, persistent negative symptoms), in comparison with closed head injury patients.  In addition, a medication called d-cycloserine will be tested in patients with both conditions.  If both these conditions share a similar pathophysiological mechanism, it is hypothesized that they will both improve following this treatment.  This work may lead to a better understanding of the neurobiology of negative symptoms, and to improved treatment of this condition.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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