Brain Network Mechanisms of Cognitive Impairments in Major Psychiatric Disorders and Their Clinical Applications

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Conditions studied: Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

In brief

Previous and our studies have shown that cognitive impairments are core symptoms of three major psychiatric disorders-schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder, and are associated with underlying brain dysfunction. However, the specific brain networks involved in cognitive impairments (cognitive impairment brain networks) in these disorders, as well as whether their neuroimaging features can be applied to cognitive assessment, diagnosis, and precision treatment, remain unclear. This study aims to identify cognitive impairment brain networks using publicly available large-scale datasets and clinical research, and to explore whether the neuroimaging features of these networks can be utilized for cognitive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment response prediction. First, a "sensitive cognitive assessment model for major psychiatric disorders" will be established through meta-analysis based on sensitive scales. Second, cognitive impairment brain networks will be identified using publicly available large-scale datasets combined with the lesion network mapping method, and their validity will be examined by assessing their non-randomness, reproducibility, symptom specificity, and disease specificity. Third, cognitive assessment and diagnostic models will be developed based on neuroimaging features of these networks. Finally, a combination of cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs will be used in a clinical trial to validate the identified networks and models, and a treatment response prediction model will be established based on the neuroimaging features of cognitive impairment brain networks. This study will advance the understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in major psychiatric disorders, promote the application of neuroimaging in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, and improve traditional diagnostic, therapeutic, and cognitive assessment approaches.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07444463
Run by: Central South University
People needed: 400
Starts: 2027-01-01
Expected to finish: 2029-12-31
Last updated by the study team: 2026-03-04

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 60. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

1, For Patients (SZ, BD, MDD):
Diagnosis of schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder (BD), or major depressive disorder (MDD) according to standard diagnostic criteria
First-episode drug-naïve patients or patients who have relapsed after discontinuing medication for more than one month
Aged 18-60 years
Completion of at least 6 years of formal education
2, For Healthy Controls:
Aged 18-60 years
Completion of at least 6 years of formal education
No current or past psychiatric disorders
No first-degree relatives with psychiatric disorders
No history of treatment with psychotropic medications or physical therapy for psychiatric disorders

You may not qualify if…

Prior use of psychotropic medications or receipt of physical treatment for psychiatric disorders (for patient group)
Contraindications to MRI scanning
History of brain injury
History of substance abuse
Presence of other neurological disorders
Presence of severe medical or systemic physical illnesses.

Where it is running

Second Xiangya Hospital — Changsha, Hunan, China

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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