The ultimate goal of our research in the Schizophrenia Center is better understand the causes and progression of schizophrenia and related disorders. We routinely seek participants to help us in these research projects. The studies listed below are currently actively recruiting participants.

First Episode Psychosis: Longitudinal Characterization of Molecular Biomarker Changes Over the Early Course of Psychotic Disease
Researchers are seeking individuals diagnosed with a psychotic disorder to participate in a research study being done to study the cells of patients with psychotic disorders. Your participation may help improve the treatment of psychotic disorders for patients like you. This study is a longitudinal study over the course of three years (only a few visits required per year): you can earn up to $1740. To be eligible for this study, you must be between 13-35 years of age with a psychotic disorder diagnosis – this may include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and mood disorders. Qualified participants have the option of undergoing: blood draw, skin biopsy, nasal biopsy, lumbar puncture, and two sessions of brain scanning with MRI technology. To learn more, please call Maeve Schumacher at 410-502-2643 or email at [email protected] (NA_00082086, Principal Investigator: Akira Sawa, M.D.)

Cell and MRI Study of Patients with Schizophrenia
Do you have Schizophrenia? Are you between 18-65 years of age? You may be the perfect candidate for our study! Researchers are seeking individuals diagnosed with Schizophrenia to participate in a research study being done to study the cells of patients with schizophrenia. The study takes place over the course of two weeks, during which you can earn a compensation of up to $500! Qualified participants will have the option of undergoing neuropsychological testing with a study team member, a blood draw, a nasal biopsy, and three sessions of brain scanning using MRI technology.To learn more, please call Haydn Loudd at 410-502-2643 or email at [email protected] (Principal Investigator: Akira Sawa, M.D. (IRB # NA_00037204)

Using a Novel PET Ligand for Imaging Brains
Earn up to $350 in only three visits! The purpose of our study is to validate the use of a new technique to image inflammation in brains of patients with recent onset Schizophrenia. In particular, we aim to image inflammatory activation using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). We are recruiting patients with recent onset Schizophrenia (and in the first five years of the disease). To be eligible for the study, you must be over 18 years old. As a study participant, you will be asked to undergo preliminary tests including: a blood draw, a urine sample, a pregnancy test (if applicable), an EKG test (painless measurement of your heart’s electrical activity), neuropsychological testing and a physical exam. In addition, we will schedule 2 imaging visits, 1 MRI and 1 PET scan visit. Participants will receive compensation of up to $350, paid in segments after completion of each portion of the study. To learn more, please call Dr. Coughlin at 443-287-4701or email at [email protected]. (NA_00023849, Principal Investigator: Martin Pomper, M.D., Ph.D)