Clinical Research at UNC

Psychotic Disorders, including Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Schizophreniform, Psychosis (NOS)

How to use this page: The research studies at UNC target the chronic and early stages of psychotic disorders. Below are the names and brief descriptions of each study. If you see a study that may apply to you, click on the link and get further details on the study and contact information.

EARLY STAGES OF PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

First episode or early course is identified in adults and adolescents who have transitioned from a pre-psychotic state to the first full-blown psychotic state.

MAPS: Mapping of Brain Function in Schizophrenia

The purpose of this study is to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and or electrophysiological recording (EEG) to evaluate brain function, structure and/or chemistry.
Ages: 9-60, length of symptoms or criteria: diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and taking an atypical antipsychotic.

GRIP: Randomized Controlled Trial of the Graduated Recovery Intervention Program for Early Psychosis

The purpose of this study is to implement a new manual-based intervention for early psychosis, the Graduated Recovery Intervention Program (GRIP), in the context of a small-scale randomized controlled trial to evaluate its efficacy.
Ages: 18 and older

SAFE Study: Amantadine for prevention of weight gain in first episode psychosis

The purpose of this study is to determine if amantadine added very soon after starting olanzapine therapy can prevent weight gain due to olanzapine, in first episode subjects.
Ages: 18-45, all races and genders

UNC Schizophrenia Research Center

The UNC Silvio O. Conte Center for the neuroscience of mental disorders is conducting four interrelated studies to identify critical brain events that trigger the development of psychotic symptoms associated with schizophrenia.
Age: pre-natal to adult

CHRONIC STAGES OF PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

Adults and adolescents with psychotic symptoms persisting for 1 year or longer.

SWITCH Study: Metabolic and weight effects of a switch to aripiprazole

The purpose of this 14 week study is to determine if subjects who switch from olanzpine, quetiapine or risperidone to aripiprazole show changes in body composition, weight, lipids, glucose, (and other metabolic markers), energy expenditure or caloric consumption.
Ages: 18-65

MAPS: Mapping of Brain Function in Schizophrenia

The purpose of this study is to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and or electrophysiological recording (EEG) to evaluate brain function, structure and/or chemistry.
Ages: 9-60, length of symptoms or criteria: diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and taking an atypical antipsychotic.

FBIRN: Biomedical Informatics Research Network

The purpose of this study is the development and validation of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) protocols for a large-scale multi-center study of schizophrenia. We are looking for individuals ages 18-70 who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Study participation includes two 2 hour MRI appointments one month apart. The first appointment also includes a two hour clinical assessment, for a total visit time of four hours. Women must be willing to provide a blood sample for a pregnancy test within 3 days of the MRI scan. Subjects are compensated by the hour based on the length of their visit. If you would like more information, please contact Carolyn Bellion at 919-966-9988.
Ages: 18-70

CAMP: Clinical Management of Metabolic Problems in Patients with Schizophrenia: Switching to Aripiprazole versus Continued Treatment with Olanzapine, Quetiapine, or Risperidone

The purpose of this six-month study is to compare the effects of switching to aripiprazole versus continued treatment with olanzapine, quetiapine, or risperidone on the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Ages 18-65

CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DISORDERS

IMPACT- IMPROVING METABOLIC PARAMETERS OF ANTIPSYCHOTIC CHILD TREATMENT

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relative risks and benefits of two approaches to the control of weight gain and other negative side effects in children and adolescents on 2nd generation antipsychotics (SGA):

Ages: 10-17

PREVENT- METFORMIN MITIGATION OF ATYPICAL ANTIPSYCHOTIC-INDUCED METABOLIC DYSREGULATION IN ADOLESCENT YOUTHS

The purpose of this study is to determine whether starting metformin in conjunction with a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) and providing information about healthy eating and activity will prevent or reduce the amount of weight gain and the metabolic changes typically seen with second-generation antipsychotic medication.
Ages: 10-17