For Individuals with Schizophrenia
Neuromorphometry in Schizophrenia by Computer Algorithm (PI: Dr. John G. Csernansky) has been funded by the National Institute of Health (NIMH R01 MH056584-10) for the past 10 years. The major goal of this study is to improve understanding of the underlying causes and mechanisms of schizophrenia, especially during its earliest phases. Volunteers of many kinds are needed to help researchers achieve these goals. If you have schizophrenia, you can participate in research studies at Northwestern University. Participation will involve a no-cost MRI (Magnetic Resonance) scan, plus 8-10 hours for interviews and cognitive testing. Every participant in the study will receive compensation for his/her time. For further information, please call:(312) 695-8643. IRB approved study #3230. Click here for research flyer.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals (PI: Dr. Will Cronenwett). The major goal of this study is to determine whether an investigational drug treatment enhances learning and memory in individuals with schizophrenia.Volunteers of many kinds are needed to help researchers achieve these goals. If you have schizophrenia, you may be able to participate in this and other research studies at Northwestern University. Participation will include up to five visits. We will screen you for eligibility in the first visit with a clinical interview and blood sample. Visits 2 through 5 will include physical exams, additional blood samples, completing learning and memory tasks while in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine, and receiving the investigational drug treatment to improve learning and memory. Every participant in the study will receive payment for his or her time. For further information, please call: (312) 695-8643. IRB approved study #5824. Click here for research flyer.
Intranasal Oxytocin Effect on Facial Affect Discrimination in Schizophrenia (PI: Dr. Morris Goldman funded by R21 MH 082295-01A2) The purpose of this study is to determine if oxytocin improves the ability of people with schizophrenia to understand facial expressions in other people. If scientists and doctors can better understand how this hormone affects behavior, perhaps, new medications could improve social dysfunction in this population. You are asked to take part in this study because you have schizophrenia. About 40 people will participate in this study. IRB approved protocol #8154. Every participant in the study will receive compensation for his/her time. For further information, please call: (312) 695-8643.
Role of oxytocin in altered behavioral and physiologic function in schizophrenia (PI: Dr. Morris Goldman funded by R21 MH 082295-01A2) The purpose of this study is to determine if a hormone produced by the body called oxytocin alters the hormonal and emotional responses to the discomfort associated with immersing your hand in ice water (cold pressor test). Oxytocin will be given in the form of a nasal spray because of evidence that it is more likely to get into the brain this way. Because it is not usually given as a nasal spray nor tested for its effects on responses to discomfort, its use in this research study is considered experimental. If scientists and doctors can better understand how this hormone affects stress responses like the cold pressor test in persons with schizophrenia, perhaps, new medications could be identified which can increase the ability of a person with schizophrenia to tolerate emotional stress. You are asked to take part in this study because you either have schizophrenia with or without water imbalance or you are a healthy control. About 105 people will participate in this study. IRB approved protocol #8239. Every participant in the study will receive compensation for his/her time. For further information, please call: (312) 695-8643.
Role Characterization of the neural network underlying prepulse inhibition (PI: Dr. Morris Goldman) The purpose of this study is to identify the parts of the brain that block out unexpected stimuli. This research is being done because we believe this information may help us to better understand the causes, and improve the treatments of severe mental illnesses. You are asked to take part in this study because you either have schizophrenia or have no history of mental illness (i.e. you are a ‘healthy control’). About 75 people (30 healthy controls, 45 psychiatric patients will participate in this study. IRB approved study. Protocol #9673). Every participant in the study will receive compensation for his/her time. For further information, please call: (312) 695-8643.
Neural Correlates of Empathic Perspective-Taking in Schizophrenia(NCEPTS) is pending review by the National Institute of Health (PI: Dr. Matthew J. Smith). The major goal of this study is to examine mechanisms that contribute to impaired empathy in schizophrenia. Volunteers of many kinds are needed to help researchers achieve these goals. If you have schizophrenia (ages 9-45) or are a healthy control, you can participate in research studies at Northwestern University. Participation will involve a no-cost MRI (Magnetic Resonance) scan, plus 1-2 hours for an empathy evaluation. Every participant in the study will receive compensation for his/her time. For further information, please call: (312) 695-8643. IRB approved study #13034.