The Effect of Nitric Oxide on Spatial Working Memory in Patients With Schizophrenia - Pilot Study
Schizophrenia
About this trial
This is an interventional basic science trial for Schizophrenia focused on measuring Nitric Oxide, Sodium Nitroprusside, Spatial Working Memory, Psychosis, Schizophrenia
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
Patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, currently experiencing an exacerbation of symptoms (a score > 20 for PANSS-Positive subscale), currently taking antipsychotics and who have given informed consent to participate.
Exclusion Criteria:
History of hypertension or current resting systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mmHg. Relevant medical illness (renal, hepatic, cardiac), prior history of intolerance to sodium nitroprusside, presence of a seizure disorder, any change in psychotropic medication in previous 6 weeks, diagnosis of substance abuse, pregnancy (as determined by urine test) or breastfeeding.
Sites / Locations
- Clinical Research Facility, King's College Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Placebo Comparator
Active Comparator
Glucose infusion
Sodium Nitroprusside infusion
Placebo infusion of sterile 5% glucose - 500ml infused over 4 hours.
Sodium nitroprusside dissolved in 5% glucose solution. Infused at 0.5mcg/kg/min for 4 hours.