Research Opportunities
INVESTIGATIONAL RESEARCH STUDIES
The Effects of the Cannabinoid-1 Receptor Antagonist, Rimonabant, on Weight and Metabolic Risk Factors in People with Schizophrenia
Rimonabant is a cannabinoid-1 receptor antagonist that may promote weight loss, reduce metabolic risk factors, and possibly promote smoking cessation. This study hopes to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of rimonabant in reducing weight gain, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular risk factors, cigarette and food craving, and improving neuropsychological function in schizophrenic patients taking second-generation anti-psychotic medications. Rimonabant is not currently available in the US but is approved in 40 other countries.
General Criteria:
- DSM-IV Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- Age: 18-55
- Male or Female
- Caucasian or Non-Caucasian
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 27kg/m2 with treated or untreated hyperlipidemia/ hypertriglyceridemia or a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 regardless of concurrent risk factors.
- Treated with risperidone, olanzapine, ziprasidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole or clozapine 90 days and to have received a constant therapeutic dose for at least 30 days
- Be clinically stable
Knowledge and Perception of Smoking Risks/Consequences, Smoking Habits and Motivators for Smoking Cessation among People with Schizophrenia
The purpose of this study is to look at the differences in cigarette smoking, perceptions of the risks of smoking and motivation to quit between people with and without schizophrenia. The secondary goal of this study is to identify clinical and demographic variables (e.g., age, race, sex, age of smoking onset, knowledge of smoking consequences, insurance status, family support, co-occurring substance abuse, education level, current health status) associated with motivation to quit smoking among individuals with and without schizophrenia. This study is intended for anyone who smokes (half will have a diagnosis and half with have no mental disorder).
General Criteria:
- Males and females between 18-65 years old
- Minimum of 5 cigarettes daily
- Expired CO measurement of >8 ppm to confirm cigarette smoking
- For the schizophrenia group, must have a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
Allelic Linkage in Substance Abuse
Study is focused on researching the genetics of substance use problems
General Inclusion Criteria:
- 18 years of age
- Cannot be diagnosed with severe anemia
- Must score above 78 on an administered IQ test
Influences of Nicotine on Cognitive Function in Schizophrenic Patients with and without Comorbid Drug Dependence.
The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of nicotine on cognition in individuals with and without both schizophrenia and substance abuse.
General Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-55
- Smoke at least 10 cigarettes/day
- No history of heart disease or uncontrolled blood pressure above 155/95, Asthma, or another lung disease.
- Not currently under treatment for tobacco dependence.
- Psychiatric Patient group – Diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder, or dual-diagnosis of either plus heroin and/or cocaine addiction.
Quitting Marijuana Use: Self-Report Study of Quitting Strategies and Withdrawal
This study is intended to examine and explore the possible motivating factors in quitting marijuana use.
General Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18 +
- Able to read English at a 6th grade level
- Have tried to quit using marijuana at least once in the past but are not currently seeking treatment for marijuana use.
- Psychiatric Diagnosis
Rasagaline in the Treatment of Persistent Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
This study is designed to study Rasagaline for the treatment of both negative symptoms and cognitive impairments in patients with schizophrenia. Rasagaline is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor used in Parkinson’s disease.
General Inclusion Criteria:
- Males and Females Age 18-64
- Diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder
- Current treatment with risperidone, olanzapine, ziprasidone, quetiapine, olanzapine or clozapine
- On the same antipsychotic for at least 56 days, on the same dose for at least 30 days
Pharmacogenetics of Clozapine-Induced Agranulocytosis
The purpose of this study is to advance the understanding of the genetics of the development of agranulocytosis in patients treated with clozapine, in order to develop a screening procedure for those patients at risk for developing this disorder.
General Inclusion Criteria:
- Males and Females ages 18 to 75 years.
- Diagnosed with agranulocytosis (ANC count less than 500mm³) while receiving clozapine treatment, or b. Patient showed a severe granulocytopenia, (ANC less than 1000mm³) while receiving clozapine treatment
- Patient was discontinued from clozapine treatment at time of occurrence of blood dyscrasia
- Patient agrees to undergo a single venipuncture blood test
General Inclusion Criteria for Controls:
- Males and Females ages 18 to 75 years
- Patient must have been treated with clozapine at a dose of a least 250 mg/day for 12 months, with no WBC less than 5,00mm³ and no ANC less than 1500mm³, at any time during the 12 months of treatment
- Patient meets the following criteria for a matched control for an agranulocytosis patient: • Patient is the same sex • Patient is within the same age category at time of starting clozapine treatment (i.e., the age at which the agranulocytosis patient started clozapine treatment must be within the same age category as when the control patient started clozapine). Age categories are: under 25, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and 65-75. • Patient must be of the same ethnicity as the matched agranulocytosis patient
- Patient agrees to undergo a single venipuncture blood test.
To obtain further information or to make a referral, please contact:
Mandy Porta, LCSW-C
Tel: 410-402-6875
Fax: 410-402-6880
Email: mporta@mprc.umaryland.edu
Heather Gallagher
Tel: 410-402-6411
Fax: 410-402-6880
Email: hgallagher@mprc.umaryland.edu
OUTPATIENT INVESTIGATIONAL RESEARCH STUDIES
Glutamatergic Agents for the Tx of Negative Symptoms and Cognitive Impairments
In this study, we are testing two agents, d-cycloserine and glycine, to determine the effectiveness of the drugs, in the treatment of negative symptoms and cognitive impairments. D-cycloserine is approved by the FDA as an antibiotic treatment of bacterial infections. Glycine is an amino acid, which is available as an over the counter nutritional supplement.
Basic Criteria:
- Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- Age 18-64
- Persistent moderate to severe negative symptoms.
These symptoms include:
- trouble talking
- difficulty expressing emotions
- lack of motivation
- social isolation
- problems with memory
- trouble paying attention
- difficulty solving problems
- not currently taking clozapine
- other criteria apply
For further information, please contact:
Michelle Eberhardt, Intake Coordinator, at 410-402-7469 or meberhar@mprc.umaryland.edu
Adjunctive Resperidone in Clozapine-Treated Patients
The primary goal of this study is to examine whether or not the addition of risperidone to clozapine will have a beneficial effect on persistent positive symptoms and cognitive impairments.
Basic Criteria:
- Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
Age 18-65 - Currently on clozapine at a therapeutic level (400mg) for six months or more
- Other criteria apply.
For further information, please contact:
Michelle Eberhardt, Intake Coordinator, at 410-402-7469 or meberhar@mprc.umaryland.edu
Adjunctive Galantamine for Cognitive Impairments
Galantamine has been shown to improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease. There is preliminary evidence that galantamine may improve cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia, while decreasing positive symptoms. This study adds galantamine or placebo to patients' usual medication regimens to measure galantamine's effect on cognition and positive symptoms.
Basic Criteria:
- Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
Age 18-60 - Currently treated with zyprexa (olanzapine), resperdal (risperidone), seroquel (quetiapine), or geodon (ziprasidone).
- Other criteria apply.
For further information, please contact:
Michelle Eberhardt, Intake Coordinator, 410-402-7469 or meberhar@mprc.umaryland.edu
Olanzapine in the Treatment of Tardive Dyskinesia
This project involves a 52-week use of either Olanzapine or of Haldol, followed by a subsequent year of Olanzapine treatment. Our hypothesis is that Olanzapine will allow for gradual reversal of pre-existing tardive dyskinesia. Clinical care, medications, and door-to-door transportation is provided free of cost. No payment is provided to the patient.
To be eligible you must:
- Have tardive dyskinesia (jerking or twitching movement as a side effect from antipsychotic medications).
- Have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 65.
To refer someone call:
Helene Adami, LCSW-C, 410-402-6832 or hadami@mprc.umaryland.edu
Family Study in Schizophrenia
It has been noted for years that people with schizophrenia often move their eyes differently than the population at large. These subtle but characteristic movements can not be observed by the naked eye, but only with the use of computer eye-tracking equipment in a laboratory. Our clinic needs family members of people with schizophrenia to volunteer to do these eye movement tests (as well as neuropsychological testing and clinical interviews) in order for us to further our understanding of what these movements may, or may not, mean. Our full range of testing takes about 16 hours (over the course of two or more visits). Compensation will be provided for your time
To be eligible you must:
- Be an immediate family member (parent, child, or sibling) of someone who has schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
- Not currently taking psychiatric medications.
To refer someone call:
Helene Adami, LCSW-C, 410-402-6832 or hadami@mprc.umaryland.edu
Early Intervention in Schizophrenia
This program is designed to serve people who have recently developed a psychotic illness. Newly ill patients pose a special challenge in treatment settings, as they frequently have poor insight and poor medication compliance, leading to frequent re-hospitalizations. The families of newly ill patients are often in turmoil; unsure of what's going on, and unsure of how best to live and work with their loved one. Our clinic's purpose is to deal with such issues by working intensively with the individuals and their families. With a low staff to patient ratio, we are able to effectively provide education about the illness, provide medications and therapy, and to link patients with the resources they may need (housing, insurance, etc).
To be eligible you must:
- Have developed signs of psychosis (or early warning signs) within the last 18 months.
- Have been ill longer, but have 18 months or less of neuroleptic exposure.
To refer someone call:
Helene Adami, LCSW-C, 410-402-6832 or hadami@mprc.umaryland.edu
Children at High Risk for Schizophrenia
Relatives of persons with schizophrenia are known to be at a substantially higher risk of developing the illness than is the population at large. Abnormal eye-tracking is thought to be a possible marker of vulnerability to schizophrenia. In this new project we hope to recruit and eye-track children who are related to a person with schizophrenia and then follow their course over the years. It is hoped that this long term project may shed light on the question of whether vulnerability to schizophrenia can be identified early in life. If this is so, perhaps early interventions can be developed which minimize this risk. Testing takes 5-8 hours in all; compensation will be provided for your time.
Refer:
Children and young people, ages 18 and less, who are the child or sibling of a person with schizophrenia. We will, of course, initially talk with the child's parent or guardian to explain the process and answer any questions they may have. Transportation and payment is provided.
To refer someone call:
Helene Adami, LCSW-C at 410-402-6832 or hadami@mprc.umaryland.edu
NON-PATIENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Maryland Psychiatric Research Center is looking for volunteers to participate in various research studies, including interviews and physiological studies such as eye movement measures. Volunteers should be between the ages of 21-45. Compensation will be provided for your time. This initial study may take 4-6 hours to complete. You may also qualify to participate in other studies, if you are interested. This can include neuropsychological testing, investigational medication studies, experimental and conventional brain scanning and brain wave records. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a research volunteer, call the MPRC at (410) 402-6825 or (410) 402-6820.