The CanOPY Study
Investigator: Professor Paul Amminger
The CanOPY study aims to see whether cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce symptoms in young people with first episode psychosis (FEP).
CBD has been shown to reduce psychotic symptoms in adults with schizophrenia, but this hasn’t previously been looked at in young people. CBD is considered safe, non-addictive and not intoxicating, and it has fewer side effects than traditional antipsychotic medications. For these reasons it is thought that CBD might be an effective addition to standard treatment for young people with FEP.
There is significant need for effective treatments for psychosis, especially for people whose symptoms don’t improve in the first few months of treatment. Current treatments don’t work for everyone, and ineffective treatment can extend the duration of symptoms, which can lead to poorer longer-term outcomes.
WHAT DOES THE STUDY INVOLVE?
The CanOPY study is a randomised controlled trial. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups:
All participants will continue with their normal treatment through the study period. In addition, participants will see the study doctor once every four weeks to check how they are going, and complete some research assessments, either in-person or online, with an Orygen research assistant. Participants will also be asked to provide some blood and urine samples.
REIMBURSEMENT
Participants will be reimbursed for the time taken to attend appointments and expenses incurred in order to take part in the study ($30 - $50 per visit).
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Young people aged 15-25 with FEP, whose symptoms have not improved after at least one adequate trial of antipsychotic medication, may be eligible to participate in this study.
RECRUITMENT
The CanOPY study is recruiting participants in Melbourne, Victoria and Perth, Western Australia.
Eligible participants who are current clients at Orygen, headspace Early Psychosis Frankston can be enrolled in the study.
Orygen welcomes contact from young people, their carers or clinicians. If the young person appears to be eligible, a research assistant will respond to ask if they would like to take part in the study.
Contact the CanOPY study team by emailing [email protected].
2024.158 (RMH HREC).