Search / Trial NCT00001486

Genetic Study of Schizophrenia

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH) · Nov 3, 1999

Trial Information

Current as of December 27, 2024

Recruiting

Keywords

Negative Symptoms Brain Scans Hallucinations Delusions Psychosis And Schizophrenia Natural History

ClinConnect Summary

The Genetic Study of Schizophrenia is a large ongoing research project at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) aimed at better understanding schizophrenia and related conditions like schizoaffective disorder. Researchers are focusing on identifying specific genes that may increase the risk of developing these illnesses and how these genes affect brain function. This knowledge could help in finding better ways to treat and prevent these disorders.

To participate in this study, you must be between 18 and 55 years old and fluent in English. If you have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or other related conditions, you may qualify, as well as your siblings. Healthy volunteers without any psychiatric diagnoses who meet the age and language requirements can also join. Participants will undergo interviews and provide blood samples for genetic analysis. It's important to note that individuals with certain medical or substance use histories may not be eligible. The study is currently recruiting participants, and all data collected will help advance our understanding of these complex mental health conditions.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

  • * INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
  • Inclusion criteria for Siblings (probands and unaffected siblings):
  • Probands must have a DSM IV-R diagnosis of schizophrenia,schizoaffective disorder, psychosis N.O.S. or schizophreniform disorder.
  • Probands and Siblings must be between the ages of 18 and 55
  • Probands and Siblings must be free of major medical illnesses, but may have controlled hypertension, thyroid disease, or diabetes.
  • Probands and Siblings must have the cognitive ability to consent for themselves. Those who are judged to have the cognitive ability to consent for themselves at the time of participation, but do not have the legal capacity to consent for themselves may participate if the legal guardian /Legal authorized representative (LAR) provides consent by signing the informed consent form.
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Exclusion Criteria for Siblings (probands and unaffected siblings):
  • Seizure disorder, mental retardation, organic brain damage or other neurological disease.
  • History of any (excepting nicotine-related) DSM5-defined moderate to severe substance use disorder (or DSM-IV-defined substance dependence).
  • Cumulative lifetime history of any (excepting nicotine-related) DSM5-defined mild substance use disorder (or any DSM-IV-defined substance abuse), either in excess of 5 years total or not in remission for at least 6 months.
  • Head trauma with loss of consciousness over 5 minutes from all but genetic sampling.
  • Chemotherapy.
  • NIMH employees/staff and their immediate family members will be excluded from the study per NIMH policy
  • Siblings who do not qualify for the 2-day or 1-day study, may participate in the limited phenotyping arm in which only a psychiatric interview and a blood draw for genetic analysis (SCID-DNA) will be performed, case control analysis or be included as part of a trio (one parent, one sibling, one patient) to study genetic transmission from parents to offsprings.. All parents are eligible for the study.
  • Inclusion Criteria. Healthy Volunteers/Controls
  • To be eligible for this research study, healthy volunteers must be:
  • Between the ages of 18 and 55
  • Fluency in English is required
  • Healthy Controls Exclusion Criteria:
  • They will not be eligible if:
  • They have history of DSM IV-R psychiatric diagnosis or severe chronic medical illness at the time of the study.
  • They have a history of any (excepting nicotine-related) DSM5-defined moderate to severe substance use disorder (or DSM-IV-defined substance dependence).
  • They have a cumulative lifetime history of any (excepting nicotine-related) DSM5-defined mild substance use disorder (or any DSM-IV-defined substance abuse), either in excess of 5 years total or not in remission for at least 6 months.
  • They may not be eligible for the 2-day or 1-day study if they have a first-degree relative with history of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, they may be included in the SCID_DNA or case control analyses.
  • Healthy volunteers must be free of learning disabilities.
  • NIMH employees/staff and their immediate family members will be excluded from the study per NIMH policy.

Trial Officials

Karen F Berman, M.D.

Principal Investigator

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

About National Institute Of Mental Health (Nimh)

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is a leading federal agency dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of mental health disorders through innovative research and clinical trials. As part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NIMH focuses on a broad spectrum of mental health issues, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and developmental disorders. By fostering collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and the community, NIMH aims to translate scientific discoveries into effective interventions and improve mental health outcomes for individuals across the lifespan. Through its commitment to rigorous research methodologies and ethical standards, NIMH plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of mental health care and policy.

Locations

Bethesda, Maryland, United States

People applied

Timeline

First submit

Trial launched

Trial updated

Estimated completion

Not reported

Discussion 0

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