The purpose of this study is to increase our ability to identify patients at clinical high-risk for the development of a psychotic disorder and to investigate neurobiological changes that underlie the emergence of a psychotic disorder.  

Who is eligible?

High Risk Subjects: 12 to 35 years old, no current or lifetime Axis I psychotic disorder, no central nervous system disorder, no current antipsychotic use (lifetime use ≤ 4 weeks), no metal in the body (for brain imaging part-MRI).

Healthy Control Subjects:  12 to 35 years old, no Axis I diagnosis, no first degree relative with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, or any other disorder involving psychotic symptoms, no metal in the body (for brain imaging part-MRI). 

Study Participation
Study participation will consist of an initial screening followed by 5 visits over 2 years. Study visits can be arranged around your schedule. Study participation will involve answering questions about your physical and mental health, computerized tests of memory, attention, social skills and problem solving ability, as well as EEG and MRI.   A blood draw will occur at three of the visits. You will be monetarily compensated for your time spent in the study.

Contact Information: If you think that you might be eligible for this study or if you would like more information, please contact Jennifer Nieri, MSW, LCSW at 919-966-8341 or jennifer_nieri@med.unc.edu