Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder Research Studies
Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Family Genetic Research Study
Age: 15-65
Location: Chicago
The University of Chicago along with the University of Illinois at Chicago are seeking individuals in the Chicago area who suffer from Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, or Bipolar Disorder with psychotic features with available immediate family members to participate in our genetic study. Family members do not have to suffer from mental health symptoms to participate. The overall goal of this research is to improve our understanding about the biological causes of these illnesses so that we can develop better treatments to improve and eventually restore the lives of patients who suffer with them. This study is overseen at the University of Chicago by investigator Dr. Elliot Gershon and Principal Investigator Dr. John Sweeney at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Participants will undergo a 2-4 hour diagnostic interview at the University of Chicago, and then several physiological tests which take 8 or more hours to complete at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Physiological tests include a urine screen, blood sample, eye movement assessments, cognitive assessment, EEG, and an MRI. Each participant will be reimbursed per assessment (maximum reimbursement per participant is $190). Participation is subject to eligibility. There is no expense to the subject to participate. The study is on-going until 2012.
Contact the study line at 866-51-GENES or 773-834-3560 for more information. More information is provided on our website: http://www.ucfamily.org/familystudies/main.html.
Posted: 1 September 2009
NIMH Genetic Study of Schizophrenia Protocol # 95-M-0150
The Schizophrenia Research Program at the National Institute of Mental Health located at on the campus of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, is seeking healthy adults diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (depressed type) to participate in a two-day outpatient study. Travel and lodging assistance is provided and a stipend is also given to participants. This study seeks to identify the genetic and environmental factors that increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. The procedures include confidential interviews and a blood draw, a neurological exam and neuropsychological testing, neuroimaging, and recordings of brain waves. Siblings are also invited to participate in these procedures and parents are invited to give a sample of blood if possible. For more details, call the toll-free schizophrenia studies referral line at 1-888-674-6464 (TTY: 866-411-1010) at NIH, Department of Health & Human Services.
NIMH Seeks Volunteers for Six-Month Schizophrenia Study
The Schizophrenia Research Program at the National Institute of Mental Health specializes in the field of schizophrenia and is conducting a six-month inpatient research study of the neurobiological causes of schizophrenia at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. The program involves extensive psychological, psychiatric, neurological, and medical evaluations, and neuroimaging. Study participation involves a period of time without medications. Throughout their stay in the research program, participants receive expert, personalized care, and are encouraged to participate in the clinical milieu that provides educational programs, recreational and occupational therapy, and art and music therapies. Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 50, be diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and be free of significant medical/neurological illnesses and active substance abuse. There is no charge to participate. For more details, call the schizophrenia research referral line at 1-888-674-6464, (TTY: 866-411-1010) at NIH, Department of Health & Human Services.
Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Family Genetic Research Study
Location: Maryland
Age: 15-65
The Maryland Psychiatric Research Center at the University of Maryland School of Medicine is currently conducting a NIMH funded study on the genetic causes of Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder. The purpose of the study is discover how the genetic risk for these illnesses and their associated biological and behavioral traits is transmitted in families.
You may be eligible to participate in the study if you meet these conditions:
- Age between 15-65 years
- Diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder (with psychosis)
- Have at least one biological first-degree relative, i.e., a sister, brother, mother or father willing to participate. The relative does not need to be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder but it is ok if they are
- No serious medical, neuro-opthalmological or neurological illness (e.g., cancer, seizure disorders, encephalopathy)
- No current substance abuse (within past 3 months) or past history of substance dependence (within 6 months or extensive history)
- No ferromagnetic objects lodged in the body
Participation involves:
- Clinical interviews to evaluate diagnosis and gather other personal information
- Neuropsychological Tests to examine thinking abilities such as attention and memory
- Electroencephalography (EEG)/Sensory Gating tests to measure brain activity in response to sounds
- Eyetracking tests to measure eye movements and visual attention
- MRI to measure brain structures and function
- Blood sample for DNA (genetic) studies
- Urine sample to screen for drugs and pregnancy
The total amount of time it takes to complete the study is approximately 14-16 hours. Transportation can be provided if needed. All participants will be compensated for their time.
For more details, call our research coordinator, Jennifer Jones, at 410-402-6823
Posted: April 15, 2009
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Psychosis Study
Age: 18-45
Location: Columbia University and The New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY.
Study End Date: 2012
This study examines the impact of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) on symptoms, physiological arousal, stressors, and the ways to deal with them in individuals with schizophrenia. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the role cognitive coping strategies play in mediating the link between stress, physiological arousal and psychotic symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia during recovery from psychosis.
Study Design: Participants will be randomized to receive either standard psychiatric treatment or up to 26 weekly sessions of individual CBT to target hallucinations and/or delusions in addition to standard psychiatric treatment. All participants may continue to receive treatment from their current psychiatrist during the study. Participants will complete research assessments at the beginning of the study and after 10, 20, and 30 weeks. These will include interviews, questionnaires, and neuropsychological tests, as well as monitoring sessions of heart rate and experiences. For more information, please see http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00791440.
Persons eligible:
- Males or females between ages 18-45.
- English speaking.
- Have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder, or schizophreniform disorder.
- Experience frequent hallucinations or delusions (for example: suspicious thoughts, and/or hear voices that other people can’t hear, and/or see things that other people can’t see).
Persons Not Eligible:
- Have a history of heart problems or hypertension.
- Is using regularly any medications for heart problems or hypertension.
- Have used street drugs within the past 4 weeks.
- Have history of having active suicidal plans or serious self-destructive, violent or aggressive behavior during the past 5 years.
- Have history of neurological disorders or medical conditions known to seriously affect the brain.
Payment:The CBT treatment is provided free of charge. Participants may receive up to $350 (over ~7 months) for completing the four research assessments including the interviews, questionnaires, neuropsychological tests, monitoring sessions of heart rate and experiences, and providing two urine samples.
Contact: David Kimhy, Ph.D.
Contact Information: (212) 543-6817 or kimhyda@pi.cpmc.columbia.edu
Posted: March 27, 2009
Have You Ever Been Diagnosed with Schizophrenia?
Age: 18-90
Location: Ohio
You may be able to participate in a research study to better understand schizophrenia.
- You must be between the ages of 18 and 90,
- You will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire, a discussion of your health history, and provide a small blood sample, and
- You will receive compensation for your time and travel if you complete the study.
For more information, or to make an appointment, please call Brandi Palmer, MS, PC or Douglas Lehrer, MD at 937-395-8227.
The Boonshoft Schizophrenia Center, The Wallace-Kettering Neuroscience Institute at Kettering Medical Center
Posted: March 4, 2009
Are You Currently Employed in Volunteer or Paid Employment and Have a Diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Psychotic Disorder?
Age: 18+
Location: Web survey
My name is Jenessa Fisk. I am a graduate student in Occupational Therapy at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY. I am currently working on my thesis project, which will explore reasons why people with schizophrenia and psychotic disorder work and why they are able to work. I am looking for individuals who are over the age of 18, have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychotic disorder, and are currently employed in volunteer or paid employment.
The results will be used to guide how occupational therapists and other rehabilitation specialists can work with individuals with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders to find and keep a job (paid or volunteer). To view and participate in the online survey, please click the link below. If the link does not directly connect you to the survey, please copy and paste it into your web browser.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=7Fuq4_2b1mKsFKRy73dfNU7A_3d_3d
If you have any questions about the survey or being a participant, please contact me at jfisk1@ithaca.edu or contact Dr. Judy Gonyea, my thesis advisor, at (607) 274-1737 or jgonyea@ithaca.edu.
All information will remain confidential.
Thank you.
Posted: February 17, 2009
Seeking persons with persistent auditory hallucinations or voices for TMS clinical trial in New Haven CT
Age: 18-55
Location: New Haven, CT
Investigational treatment for persons with auditory hallucinations ("voices") using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is being studied at Yale School of Medicine. We are seeking participants who:
- hear "voices" at least 3-4 times per day;
- are between ages 18-55;
- do not have a significant neurological condition such as epilepsy.
Study duration is 4-8 weeks. Reasonable transportation costs to and from New Haven are covered from anywhere within the US. Participants are admitted to an inpatient research unit and remain on their psychiatric medications. Subject payment is $400. For further information contact Ralph Hoffman MD (203-688-9734) or Joan Nye (203-737-2762). Approved by the Yale Human Investigation Committee (#27023).
Posted: February 17, 2009
Schizophrenia… It Can Decrease Your memory and Thinking Ability
Age: 18-55
Location: New Jersey
Have you been diagnosed with schizophrenia? Are you currently being treated with a stable dose of Seroquel ®, Zyprexa ®, Risperdal ®, or Abilify ®?
If so, and you are 18-55, you may qualify to participate in a research study to learn about the effects of an investigational drug on cognitive function in individuals with stable schizophrenia. Qualified participants may receive at no cost study-related:
Contact: Center for Emotional Fitness, Cherry Hill, NJ, 866-548-2333 (Extension 21)
Posted: February 17, 2009
Are you or is someone you know being treated for Schizophrenia?
Location: Boston, MA
The MGH Schizophrenia Program has several research opportunities in the areas of genetics, health and weight management, brain imaging and new treatments: both psychological and medical.
Compensation for time & transportation provided.
Please call us at: 617-912-7828.
Principal Investigator - Donald Goff, MD
Posted: 14 October, 2008
Genetic Study of Schizophrenia
Age: 18-70
Location: Boston, MA
The Massachusetts General Hospital Schizophrenia Program is conducting a research study to better understand the genes involved in the symptoms of schizophrenia. We are seeking volunteers diagnosed with schizophrenia ages 18 to 70. The study involves one three-hour visit which includes a blood draw for four tubes of blood and a series of interviews and cognitive (thinking processes) testing. If you wish, your psychiatrist may receive a report of the cognitive test results. Payment of $30 is provided for participation. Transportation reimbursement is available. Please contact Kelsey at 617-912-7868 or via e-mail at kshannahan@partners.org if you are interested in learning more about this study.
Posted: 14 October, 2008
Are you being treated for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder?
Age: 18-65
Location: Boston: MA
The Schizophrenia Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital - Freedom Trail Clinic is conducting an open-label trial comparing the effectiveness of the long-acting antipsychotic medication, risperidone microspheres (Consta), to a clinician's choice of second generation oral antipsychotic medications. We are seeking patients 18-65 years old diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who continue to remain symptomatic or have been admitted to a hospital within the past 12 months. All medications are FDA approved and currently used in clinical practice. The study is up to 30 months long with biweekly visits.
Antipsychotic medication (Consta or oral second generation) is provided free of charge during participation. Remuneration will be up to $800 with an average remuneration of $160 every 6 months. Transportation reimbursement is available.
Please contact Jared Walsh at (617) 912-7864 or via e-mail at jpwalsh@partners.org if you are interested in the study.
Posted: 14 October, 2008
Are you being treated for schizophrenia?
Age: 18-68
Location: Boston, MA
The Schizophrenia Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital - Freedom Trail Clinic is conducting a research trial to test the effectiveness of the vitamins Folate and B12 for treating symptoms of schizophrenia. Subjects will be randomly assigned, by chance, to receive either the study vitamins or placebo (contains no active vitamin). We are seeking patients 18-68 years old diagnosed with schizophrenia who continue to remain symptomatic despite treatment with medication. The study is 19 weeks long with biweekly visits. The vitamins used in this study are provided free of charge during participation. Remuneration will be up to $195 with the possibility of earning an additional $400 for participating in the optional imaging procedures. Transportation reimbursement is available. Please contact Hope McChesney at (617) 912-7863 or via e-mail at hmcchesney@partners.org if you are interested in the study.
Posted: 14 October, 2008
Medication Study of Learning and Memory in Schizophrenia
Age: 18-60
Location: Boston, MA
The Massachusetts General Hospital Schizophrenia Program is conducting a research study to compare the effects of an investigational medication (MK-0777) versus placebo (contains no active medication) on attention, learning and memory. We are seeking volunteers diagnosed with schizophrenia ages 18 to 60 who are currently taking one of the following medications: risperidone, risperidone microspheres, aripiprazole, olanzapine, ziprasidone or quetiapine. The study involves taking either the study medication or the placebo for a total of 6 weeks. Neither you nor your clinician will know if you are taking the active drug or the placebo during the study. There will be 10 visits over a period of 8 weeks, with additional follow up at 6 and 12 months. Remuneration of up to $180 will be provided. Transportation reimbursement is available. Please contact Jared at 617-912-7864 or via e-mail at jpwalsh@partners.org if you are interested in learning more about this study.
Posted: 14 October, 2008
Are you currently taking or considering taking Geodon for the treatment of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder?
Age: 18-65
Location: Boston, MA
The Schizophrenia Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital - Freedom Trail Clinic is conducting a research trial to assess whether Geodon dose escalation (meaning a dose of Geodon higher than is typically used) improves symptoms of schizophrenia compared to continued standard treatment. Subjects taking Geodon 160mg/day will be randomized (that is, assigned by chance, like the flip of a coin) to receive additional treatment up to 320mg/day of Geodon or placebo (looks like the study drug, but contains no active medication). We are seeking patients 18-65 years old diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who continue to remain symptomatic despite treatment.
Geodon is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Patients who are not currently taking 160mg/day can participate in an open-label phase (meaning that the subject will be taking active medication and will be aware of that) to reach the appropriate dose required for screening. Study medication is provided free of charge during the study and subjects will receive remuneration up to $175. Reimbursement for transportation expenses is available. Please contact Jared Walsh at (617) 912-7864 or via e-mail at jpwalsh@partners.org if you are interested in the study.
Posted: 14 October, 2008
ARE YOU TAKING ONLY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: RISPERDAL, OLANZAPINE, SEROQUEL, ABILIFY AND EXPERIENCING ANY COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT?
Age: 18-65
Study Location: San Diego
COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS INCLUDE:
- deficits in areas such as memory, attention, planning, and problem solving
- problems with verbal and visual learning
- having a hard time managing emotions
Medical researchers at UCSD are currently conducting a clinical research study to evaluate an investigational drug for the cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.
Participants must be between 18 and 65 years of age to be eligible.
Medical and psychological evaluations and study drug will be provided at no cost. Eligible participants will also receive reimbursement for time and travel.
For more information please call:
(866)550-UCSD
UCSD Department of Psychiatry
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH
Study Location: San Francisco
Age: 18+
Hello, my name is Nisha Fernandes, I’m an advanced graduate student at the California School of Professional Psychology, San Francisco, and I’m currently seeking volunteers for my research about the experience of self in schizophrenia.
I want to have a deep understanding of schizophrenia and its’ process so that I, and other clinicians may eventually learn how to effectively treat this phenomenon. In order for me to truly understand the experience of self in schizophrenia, I wish to talk with individuals who have gone through this process.
Interested persons will be asked to participate in a brief phone interview to determine if my study is a good fit for you, and if you meet criteria for my study. If you are eligible for my study, you will be invited to 2 confidential, individual interviews of up to 1.5 to 2.0 hours each at a mutually agreed upon location (my school, a park, coffee shop, etc.)
Volunteers who share their experience with me, by participating in my study, may find that it helps develop their own understanding of what they went through. It can also feel good to know that you are doing something that may eventually help others who are going through and will go through similar experiences with schizophrenia. Also, as a thank you for participating in my study, I will give you $50 at the end of the second interview.
If you are interested in volunteering, or have any questions at all about my study, please call (415) 519-2593 or email me StudyOnSelf@yahoo.com.
Posted: 8 April, 2008
SCHIZOPHRENIA
Study Location: Manhattan, NY
Age: 18 - 65
The Social Psychiatry Research Institute (SPRI) is currently conducting a research study to evaluate whether an investigational medication helps to prevent weight gain that is often associated with current treatments for schizophrenia. In order to qualify for this study, patients must have been treated with a stable dose of medication for the past 8 weeks. Patients may not be currently abusing or dependent on alcohol or illicit drugs. Eligible patients will receive study medication and medical evaluations over a period of 57 weeks at no cost to them. Health insurance is not required.
If interested in the this study, you can apply online at www.spristudy.com, email us at studyinfo@spristudy.com or call 1-888-345-7774.
Posted: 28 November 2007
AUGMENTING ZYPREXA WITH NALTREXONE
Volunteers Needed:
Are you or is someone you know experiencing symptoms of Schizophrenia?
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Are you consuming Zyprexa or Olanzapine?
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Do you sometimes hear voices that no one else hears?
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Do you strongly believe in ideas that no one else does?
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Are your motions or speech disorganized?
This research study at McLean Hospital involves the daily consumption of an FDA-approved drug or a placebo (sugar pill), and is focused on improving your weight and physical condition. It may also involve non-invasive brain scans. You may qualify for this research study if you:
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Have one or more of the above symptoms
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Are between the ages of 21 and 55
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Can come to the laboratory for a total of 25 hours spread over 11 visits for 13 weeks.
You may earn up to $540 compensation for your participation. All personal information will be kept confidential. For more information, email or phone Margaret Oliner at moliner@mclean.harvard.edu or (617) 855-2891.
Posted: 28 November 2007
SCHIZOPHRENIA MEDICATION COMPLIANCE STUDY
Researchers at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences invite you to participate in a research study regarding the use of and your attitudes about medications prescribed to address symptoms of schizophrenia. To be eligible to participate in this research study, you must be at least 18 years old, have a current diagnosis of schizophrenia, be able to effectively communicate in English using email, and currently be residing in the United States. Your prompt response is important.
The experience of participation is a time consuming one, and will require a total of two hours of your time over three sittings at your computer. Specifically, this program is an attempt to understand how people make decisions about taking medication as prescribed or not. Your decision whether to participate in the program is entirely private and voluntary. There will be no benefit to you if you decide to participate, and there will be no risk or penalty to you if you decide not to participate. There may be some risks if you decide to participate, which might include emotional discomfort due to being made to consider potentially upsetting thoughts or experiences, and anxiety about revealing personal information about your medication taking behavior. Participation in this research study will provide no immediate benefits to you. It may, over time, result in improvements in treatments for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. No one other than the researcher will know the email address you provide and no one will ask you for your name or other identifying information. All email addresses and other identifying information will be destroyed when this study is complete, and no record will be maintained.
If you would like to participate in this study, you must have an internet connection, an email account, and send an indication of your interest to: jxs53@po.cwru.edu. This study is being conducted at The Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. The researchers conducting this study are Kathleen Farkas, PhD (you may contact Dr. Farkas by email at kjf@po.cwru.edu or by calling 216-368-2276) and John Sinclair (you may contact John Sinclair via email at jxs53@po.cwru.edu or by calling 216-321-2339). You may also contact Dr. Farkas, John Sinclair or the Mandel School by calling toll free: (800) 863-6772. The mailing address for both Dr. Farkas and John Sinclair is:
Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Case Western Reserve University
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-7164
If you would like to talk to someone other than the researcher(s) about; (1) concerns regarding this study, (2) research participant rights, (3) research-related injuries, or (4) other human subjects issues, please contact Case Western Reserve University’s Institutional Review Board at (216) 368-6925 or write: Case Western Reserve University; Institutional Review Board; 10900 Euclid Ave.; Cleveland, OH 44106-7230.
Posted: 16 October 2007
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in the Treatment of Negative Symptoms and Social Dysfunction in Schizophrenia Patients
In rTMS therapy, a device called a "stimulator" provides electrical energy to a "magnetic coil" that delivers a magnetic field. When placed against the surface of the head, this coil can cause certain parts of the brain to either increase or decrease in activity, depending on how quickly the magnetic pulses are delivered. This study is designed to test whether high-frequency TMS delivered to an area near the temple, called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, can improve the so-called "negative symptoms" of schizophrenia, which include decreased thinking, difficulty motivating, and social withdrawal.
Participation in the study consists of sessions lasting about 45 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks.
Eligibility:
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Diagnosis of schizophrenia of schizoaffective disorder
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"Negative" symptoms, such as decreased thinking, difficulty motivating, and social withdrawal
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If on medication, must be on a stable dose of medications for 4 weeks prior to starting and limiting doses of benzodiazepines
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No personal or family history of seizures or epilepsy
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Age 18 - 55
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No history of bipolar disorder or current major depression
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In active treatment with a psychiatrist
Benefits to participants:
For more information about participating, or if you have questions about this study, please contact the clinic coordinator at (212) 543-5767. You will be asked several questions over the telephone to help determine if you may be eligible for the study.
Posted: 6 September 2007
Genetic Testing for Schizophrenia: Views of Patients, Families, and Clinicians- An Opinion Survey
After decades of research, scientists have begun to identify genes associated with schizophrenia. As a result, researchers have conducted studies examining genes that increase or decrease one's likelihood of developing schizophrenia, or how certain genes will influence one's response to medication treatments. Such advancements in medicine should lead to improved treatments for persons having schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders. However, genetic testing for a serious and highly stigmatized disease like schizophrenia raises many ethical and legal concerns. By asking the opinions of people most affected-- persons living with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, family members, and their attending clinicians-- this study seeks to answer the following questions:
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What happens if test results are misused or misinterpreted?
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Will test results cause people to be discriminated against by employers or insurance companies?
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Will genetic tests cause people to feel demoralized or to be stigmatized by family members, friends, or their community?
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How should a person be informed about the risks and benefits of genetic testing?
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Is it acceptable to test children under age 18?
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Is it acceptable to test a person who is severely ill and cannot understand the purpose of such tests?
This study will include three groups of (unrelated) participants:
- 50 adults with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- 50 adults who have a parent, sibling, or child with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- 100 U.S. psychiatrists
Participants will be interviewed in person at the Medical College of Wisconsin regarding their views of the genetics of schizophrenia and the appropriate use of genetic tests. The interview will take approximately 90 minutes. No special knowledge of genetics is necessary to participate, and survey answers will be kept confidential. If you are a close family member of one or more persons with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, please contact Ms. Krisy Edenharder, Research Coordinator with the Medical College of Wisconsin at 414-456-8955 or via email kedenhar@mcw.edu.
Each participant will receive a $25 check or gift card.
This study is will be conducted at the Medical College of Wisconsin and is sponsored by NARSAD: The Mental Health Research Association. The principal investigator is Jinger Hoop, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine-- MCW.
Posted: 22 August 2007
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