Research

Memory and Psychosis

From episodic memory to functioning in schizophrenia and related psychoses: A neurocognitive model

Memory is an important predictor of how well individuals affected by psychosis are able to function in their social and occupational lives. However, the exact structures and functions in the brain responsible for this relationship are currently unknown. Through this study, we would like to better understand the relationship between the brain, memory, and functioning. We hope that our findings will ultimately contribute to the improvement of functioning in psychosis.

This is a neuroimaging study that involves two in-person visits. It is open to participants with a diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. The first visit lasts approximately 2.5 hours, during which participants complete some questionnaires, clinical interviews, and cognitive tasks. The second visit also lasts about 2.5 hours. Participants perform some cognitive tasks and then undergo an MRI scan while completing tasks inside the scanner. Participants receive $40 for the first visit and $80 for the second visit, totalling $120 in cash.

Outcomes from Cognitive Remediation and Behavioural Intervention Techniques (ORBIT Trial)

This study aims to examine how well the combination of therapies (cognitive behavioural therapy and cognitive remediation therapy) would work for improving symptoms of psychosis, cognitive skills (e.g., attention, memory, problem solving), and the ability to engage within one’s community. Separately, these two treatments have been evaluated in the past with promising results; however, it is unclear how well they work when combined.

The study is open to participants with a diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder who have not had CBT or CRT within the past 6 months. Participants are randomized to one of three conditions (CR+CBT, CR + other therapy, or sham CR + CBT). Thus all participants will receive at least one clinical intervention. Participants will complete four assessments in total: one before treatment initiation, one shortly after treatment completion, as well as 6 and 12 month follow up assessments. Participants are paid $30 per assessment.

Avatar Therapy- Virtual Reality Interventions for Voices and Visions

Audio Visual Assisted Therapy for Refractory Auditory Hallucinations (AVATAR) is a groundbreaking new approach that was developed in the United Kingdom (UK). We are developing our own version of the Avatar therapy approach.

Participants work with a therapist to collaboratively build an ‘Avatar’ which looks and sounds like the dominant voice that they struggle with. They engage in dialogue with the voice (with support from the therapist) to learn to respond assertively and increase their sense of control and power over the voices. Over the course of therapy, the Avatar changes from being demeaning or threatening to becoming more supportive. During therapy sessions, the participants will engage in dialogue with the Avatar using a virtual reality headset. This is a waitlist-control design so all participants will receive the therapy. They complete 4 assessments (at 3 month intervals), and are paid $30 per assessment ($120 in total).

Alpha tACS

Investigating the Effects of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS)

tACS is a widely used non-invasive brain stimulation method aimed at modulating neural activity and behaviour, though its effects can be inconsistent. This study investigates the conditions under which tACS reliably influences alpha oscillations, comparing 10 Hz and 41 Hz stimulation in a within-subject design. Using a vigilance task that engages inhibitory control and lateralized attention, we explore how stimulation frequency and electrode configuration shape neural dynamics.