Project Summary

J. Bruno Debruille, M.D., Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2004) of Douglas Hospital Research Centre of McGill University, has found that N400, a component of brain electrical activity, is greater in highly delusional schizophrenics compared with less delusional patients. In this proposal, Dr. Debruille plans to measure N400, the ability to discard previously acquired knowledge and the ability to integrate information contradictory to a delusion in patients suffering from their first episode of psychosis. Patients will be assessed before and after the initiation of medication. Results should reveal whether medications that decrease delusions also decrease N400. If so, levels of N400 could then be tested as a predictor of treatment efficacy.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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