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LEVHIPPRO: Investigating the effect of a single-dose of levetiracetam on brain function, chemistry and cognitive performance in psychosis risk.

Overview

What are we researching and why is it important?

People with psychosis and people at risk of developing psychosis show differences in a part of the brain called the hippocampus, such as smaller size and increased activity. This hyperactivity may be associated with cognitive deficits (thinking and memory). 

The basis of this hippocampal hyperactivity is thought to be a deficit in excitation and inhibition of brain cells. Excitation causes brain cells to send signals more frequently, and inhibition causes cells to send signals less frequently. A balance between these signals is important for the brain, including the hippocampus, to function properly. 

Levetiracetam is a medication that is widely used to treat epilepsy and which helps balance excitation-inhibition in the brain. We will use brain imaging, using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), to test if levetiracetam can help reduce hippocampal hyperactivity and improve cognition in people who are at risk of developing psychosis. 

Are you interested in taking part in this study? 

Find out more by filling in this form

Planned end date

01 Apr 2026 23:59

Conditions

Psychosis,Psychosis - High Risk

People types

Participants with condition

Inclusion Criteria

  • Age range 18-40 years
  • Capacity to consent to participation in the study
  • Inclusion into attenuated psychosis group as assessed by the CAARMS
  • Scores 3-5 on CAARMS unusual thought content or non-bizarre ideas subscales

Exclusion Criteria

  • Past episode of psychosis
  • Current exposure to drugs with strong GABAergic or glutamatergic effects (benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, mood stabilisers, zopiclone, zolpidem, ketamine, opiates, atomoxetine, memantine)
  • Current/recent exposure to any antipsychotic medication
  • Diagnosis of any neurological disorder, including epilepsy
  • Current pregnancy/breastfeeding
  • Severe renal impairment
  • Known allergy to levetiracetam
  • Contraindication to MRI scanning
  • IQ<70 as determined with WAIS-III
  • CHR-P individuals are not deemed to have a full-blown mental health disorder. However, in the event that a CHR-P individual is acutely ill and lacking capacity to consent, they will not be approached to take part in this study.

We will ensure that there are no contraindications to taking levetiracetam including severely impaired renal function or known allergy by checking patient records (with the participant’s consent). We will ensure that participants are not currently pregnant (using a pregnancy test at each scanning visit) and we will ask about current breastfeeding. We advice use of highly effective contraception during participation in the study (see participant information leaflet).

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