Serial Comparisons of Abdominal and Neurological MRI Scans

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to compare abdominal weight gain and fat distribution to changes in brain morphology in people taking antipsychotic medications.

Detailed Description
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Abdominal weight gain is a significant side effect of antipsychotic medications. It has even been suggested to be part of the pathology of severe mental illnesses. Studies have shown that in persons with bipolar disorder, increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with irregular changes in the brain. This association has not been tested in persons with psychosis. In this study, we will be measuring abdominal fat distribution as measured by MRI to see if this is associated with abnormal brain morphology.

Official Title
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Serial Comparisons of Abdominal and Neurological MRI Scans of Patients With Refractory Psychosis Disorders

Conditions
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Psychotic Disorders

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Must be admitted to the BC (British Columbia) Psychosis Program at UBC (University of British Columbia) Hospital Must have clinically diagnosed psychosis (e.g. schizophrenia) Must be fluent in English Must not be contraindicated for MRI (i.e., must not be claustrophobic, have metal in the body, be pregnant, have BMI greater than or equal to 40, etc.) Exclusion Criteria: • None, other than those listed above

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 12 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Abdominal distribution of visceral fat versus subcutaneous fat | Change over time in amounts of visceral and subcutaneous fat as measured by automated segmentation of a magnetic resonance image (MRI) | Baseline (within 2 weeks of admission), 12 weeks later, and prior to discharge | 
| Changes in total brain volume | Change over time in total brain volume as measured by automated segmentation of a magnetic resonance image (MRI). | Baseline (within 2 weeks of admission), 12 weeks later, and prior to discharge | 
| Changes in grey matter volume in the brain | Change over time in amounts of brain grey matter as measured by automated segmentation of a magnetic resonance image (MRI). | Baseline (within 2 weeks of admission), 12 weeks later, and prior to discharge | 
| Changes in white matter volume in the brain | Change over time in amounts of brain white matter as measured by automated segmentation of a magnetic resonance image (MRI). | Baseline (within 2 weeks of admission), 12 weeks later, and prior to discharge | 
| Changes in the volume of brain structures | Change over time in the volume of brain structures as measured by automated segmentation of a magnetic resonance image (MRI). | Baseline (within 2 weeks of admission), 12 weeks later, and prior to discharge | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Comparing changes in abdominal fat distribution/accumulation to psychosis symptom severity | To determine if an association exists between abdominal fat accumulation/distribution and psychosis symptom severity, as measured by the amounts of visceral and subcutaneous fat by automated segmentation of a magnetic resonance image (MRI) and standardized symptom rating scales, cognitive tests, and other neuropsychological examinations, respectively. | Baseline (within 2 weeks of admission), 12 weeks later, and prior to discharge | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Psychosis, Adverse effects, Symptom Severity, Magnetic Resonance Imaging