Participate in a Research Study

If interested in participating in one of the following clinical research studies, please contact: Courtney Caulder: 706-721-3048

Inflammation, The Kynurenine Pathway, and Cognition in Schizophrenia
Sponsors:  Medical College of Georgia Brain and Behavior Discovery Institute and Medical College of Georgia Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior

This study is an epidemiological study of plasma cytokines and kynurenine pathway (IDO) activity, and their relationship to cognition in schizophrenia, schizoaffective.  We are interested in comparing cytokine levels and kynurenine pathway activity between 4 groups (patients with an acute relapse of schizophrenia and related disorders, with relapse defined as requiring inpatient care for psychosis stable outpatients with schizophrenia and related disorders, first-degree unaffected relatives of patients with schizophrenia and related disorders and healthy controls).

We are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

  • 18-70 years of age
  • Diagnosis of Schizophrenia or related disorder
  • Ability to provide informed consent

 

 

Infections in Acute Relapse of Schizophrenia
Sponsor:  Medical College of Georgia Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior

This is an epidemiological (case-control) study of the prevalence of acute uncomplicated cystitis in patients with schizophrenia and related disorders.  There will be 3 subject groups (patients with acute relapse of schizophrenia and related disorders, with relapse defined as requiring inpatient care for psychosis, stable outpatients with schizophrenia and related disorders and healthy controls).

We are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

  • 18-70 years of age
  • Diagnosis of Schizophrenia or related disorder
  • Ability to provide informed consent 

 

 

Analysis of Bipolar Disorder Diagnostic Accuracy Using Mood Disorder Questionnaire

This study intends to utilize the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) as a screening tool for examining a specific consumer population at this institution. Our primary purpose is to analyze the results of the MDQ and determine if there is a statistically significant population of undiagnosed bipolar consumers present and to explore potential contributing factors.

We are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

  • 18-65 years of age
  • Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder

 

 

Medical Student Attitudes Towards Consumers with Mental Illness Before and After a Recovery-Based Intervention

The study is offered to all medical students completing their 3rd year psychiatry clerkship.  The study will analyze the impact of an intervention program versus a non-intervention program on ones attitude towards mental illness.

Dr. Foster, Jessica Michelle Lee, B.S., Diana Murro, B.S., James Gable, PharmD, Luke Smith, B.S. and Gareth Fenley, M.S.W., CPS are conducting a study to evaluate MCG medical student's attitudes towards the homeless.  MCG medical students from the classes of 2013 and 2014 will be asked to complete an online questionnaire presented by Survey Monkey.

 

 

Barriers Associated with Seeking Treatment for Eating Disorders: The Parental Perspective

Dr. Lemmon and Josepha Ilounakhamhe are currently conducting this study.  The study involves asking current or former patients who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder if their parents can be contacted to complete a questionnaire regarding their experience in seeking treatment for their child.  The survey will be conducted face to face, via "remote consent" or by accessing the questionnaire on Survey Monkey.

 

If interested in participating in one of the following clinical research studies, please contact:

Dawn Montoya: 706-721-0409
Rebecca Nichols: 706-721-4605
Edna Stirewalt: 706-721-7968

 

Genomic Psychiatry Cohort (GPC)
Sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health

The purpose of this research study is to obtain blood samples from 800 unaffected (control) subjects and 800 active (those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia) subjects, in order to analyze each subject’s deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the body’s genetic material.  Researchers hope to find genes that increase the chance of developing schizophrenia or that affect the disease course. This research could someday assist in developing better treatments that might help prevent a recurrence of symptoms in persons with schizophrenia.

We are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective disorder, depressed type
  • Able to give informed consent and provide reliable history of illness

 

  

A Comparison of Long-Acting Injectable Medications for Schizophrenia (ACLAIMS)
Sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health

The study proposes to compare the effectiveness, cost and tolerability of two long-acting injectable antipsychotic preparations in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder: risperidone microspheres and restricted dose fluphenazine decanoate.  Subjects will be followed for up to 42 months.

We are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

  • 18-65 years of age
  • Diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective disorder
  • Patients recovering from a recent relapse (within past 12 months)
  • Patient might benefit from a long-acting injectable antipsychotic

 

 

Clinical Biomarker Assessment of Efficacy of Cognitive Remediation in Patients with Schizophrenia Stabilized on Lurasidone (TENETS)
Sponsor: The Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc./Columbia University

The purpose of this study is to conduct a scientifically rigorous clinical trial that optimizes the likelihood of meaningful improvement in cognitive and psychosocial functioning in patients with schizophrenia.  Subjects would take study medication, Lurasidone.  During the study, subjects would also participate in a computer exercise that may help improve cognition (memory, attention, problem solving, etc.)

We are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

  • 18-55 years of age
  • A change in antipsychotic medication is clinically warranted by judgment of treating physician
  • Able to give informed consent and cooperate with all study procedures, including twice weekly computer sessions

 

 

An Open Trial of Cysteamine Treatment in Schizophrenia
Sponsor:  Medical College of Georgia Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior

The purpose of this research study is determine the tolerability of the medication, cysteamine, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication on the symptoms of schizophrenia.  We will be obtaining blood samples and asking study participants to complete some questionnaires. We will be determining if the medication improves the cognitive/memory function of the study participants. This research could someday assist us in developing additional treatments that will improve the symptoms of persons with schizophrenia.  Study participants will be compensated for their time and effort.

We are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Diagnosis of schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder
  • Able  to give informed consent and  provide us with reliable information

  

 

Revised: 2/27/12