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| North Carolina's Voice on Mental Illness If you would like to speak to someone about your particular issue, then use the NAMI NC helpline Monday -Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm. 800- 451-9682 (NC only) |
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Research Studies Research subjects needed to study the effects of treatment with the natural hormone oxytocin on symptoms of schizophrenia, especially difficulties in social relationships and social functioning as well as psychotic symptoms. You may be eligible if you are diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and are between the ages of 18-65. Subjects continue on their usual medication and are given either oxytocin or placebo nasal spray to take for 12 weeks. The study involves 7 outpatient visits to either UNC or the North Carolina Psychiatric Research Center in Raleigh. Compensation, parking, and mileage reimbursement are provided. For more information and to see if you are eligible for this study, please call: 919-966-3915. Approved by UNC Biomedical IRB Study #11-0259 Approval Date: 7/13/11 You may also download and print a study brochure click here. _______________________________________________________________________________ RESEARCH STUDIES ON SCHIZOPHRENIA AND RELATED TOPICS UNC-CHAPEL HILL DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY NORTH CAROLINA PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH CENTER CRH – RALEIGH CAMPUS A Comparison of Long-Acting Injectable Medications for Schizophrenia (“ACLAIMS”) This is a randomized controlled study designed to compare the effectiveness of two widely used long-acting injectable antipsychotic medications in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. After baseline assessments, subjects will be randomly assigned for up to 24 months of blinded treatment with either paliperidone palmitate or haloperidol decanoate injections. This is a multi-center study for adults between 18-65 years of age, meeting DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. All study visits will last between 1-3 hours. During the study, subjects will come to the clinic monthly to receive medication and complete interviews and questionnaires. For more information about this study please contact Kathy Jones at 919-733-5227. Contrasting the Brain Effects of Risperdal and Invega with fMRI and PET Scanning (“IMAGE”) This is a randomized, outpatient, double-blind, parallel-group study designed to compare the brain effects of Invega to Risperdal in patients with Schizophrenia. Subjects will be randomly assigned to double-blind Risperdal or Invega for the first four weeks of the study; then all subjects will be on open-label Invega for 4 weeks, with an option to continue on Invega for six months. This is a multi-center study for adults between 18-60 years of age, meeting DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia. Most visits will last between 2-4 hours. This includes the screening visit, baseline visit, and visits at week 2, week 4, week 6, and week 8. During the study, subjects will be randomized into 1 of 2 groups and receive blinded study medication (2-8 mg Risperdal or 3-12 mg Invega). There is an optional extension phase in which subjects may continue on open-label Invega for up to six months; this phase involves two visits at months 3 and 6. For more information about this study, please contact Kathy Jones at (919) 733-5227. UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health Consultation Outcomes Project (“COPE”) The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of psychiatric consultations and associated recommendations on symptoms, treatment cost, course of treatment, service utilization, and general functioning of individuals diagnosed with a serious mental illness including: schizophrenia or a related psychotic disorder, bipolar illness, or major depression. Subjects must be at least 18 years of age to participate. During the course of the study, subjects will participate in a baseline study visit with follow-up study visits at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the baseline visit. At these visits, standard ratings of symptom severity and cognitive functioning will be performed. Information about the subject’s current treatment, medication, medication side effects, employment, living situation, quality of life and service utilization (such as ER visits or hospitalizations) will be obtained. Physical health assessments consisting of measurement of weight, height, waist circumference, vital signs, and a standard physical examination will also be performed. Subjects will be paid $50 for study visits 1, 4, and 5 and $30 for visits 2 and 3 (if completed in person), or $25 each visit if completed by phone. For more information, please contact Joy Smith at 919-733- 5227. Clinical and Biomarker Assessment of Efficacy of Cognitive Remediation in Patients with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder Stabilized on Lurasidone (CORAL) The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects on cognitive and functional outcomes of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder stabilized on Lurasidone as evidenced by comparing 30 sessions of cognitive remediation to active control group. Lurasidone is a new FDA-approved antipsychotic medication. Subjects must be 18-55 years of age to participate. Study visits will take place at the North Carolina Psychiatric Research Center, located at the former Dorothea Dix Hospital Campus in Raleigh, N.C. The study visits will occur as follows: First 8 weeks, subjects will transition from current medication to lurasidone, after stabilization on lurasidone, there are two optional studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), performed at UNC Hospitals. At week 8, the subject will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for the next phase of the study. Groups will meet twice per week for 75 minutes for the next 4- 6 months: The cognitive remediation group consists of computer based cognitive training that allows the subject to enhance cognitive skills through repeated exercises which gradually increase in difficulty. A 15 minute group will be held after each training session to connect how the newly learned cognitive skills can benefit an individual in everyday situations and recovery goals. The cognitive control group consists of mental activity groups, including computer based puzzles and exercises, followed by a 15 minute group discussing healthy behaviors. Subjects who complete all the study visits over the 8 month period will receive $450. For completion of the optional fMRI study, compensation will be $225. For completion of the optional EEG’s, compensation will be $60. For more information, please contact Joy Smith at 919-733-5227. _______________________________________________________________________________ Recruitment for Computer Game Study The ASPIRE team is currently conducting a research study to examine if a computer program can help individuals who have a Psychotic Spectrum Disorder. Participants must have a Psychotic Spectrum Disorder, be 10-19 years old, and be taking a medication for their disorder. Participants must be willing to play computer programs, undergo cognitive and study doctor assessments, and complete six blood draws. Participation will include: • Fourteen appointments at UNC Hospitals with the study doctor Participants will be compensated for their time, up to $650 Please contact our recruitment line or email us for more information: Email: aspire@unc.edu Phone: 1-800-708-0048 _______________________________________________________________________________ RELATIONSHIPS: EARN A $15 GIFT CARD! Romantic couples are needed for a study about how people communicate when one or both partners have been diagnosed with depression by a medical professional. Questions? Please email Dr. Leanne Knobloch, Department of Communication University of Illinois (knobl@illinois.edu) or visit the study’s website (https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/knobl/www/depression.html). _______________________________________________________________________________ RESEARCH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR UNC STUDY! Adults that have been diagnosed with Schizophrenia are needed for a new research study entitled “Social Cognition and Functioning” (SCAF) that is being conducted by the UNC Department of Psychology. contact Charles Olbert at 919-962- 4234 or please email olbert@email.unc.edu. _______________________________________________________________________________ Many with OCD are affected by symptoms despite taking medication. A research study is now enrolling for those who still need help controlling their OCD symptoms. This particular study is looking for people who are still experiencing OCD symptoms despite taking Luvox, Prozac, Paxil, or Zoloft. The purpose of the study is to determine whether or not the investigational medication is effective in controlling OCD symptoms when taken in addition to the above medications. To find out more about the clinical study mentioned above, visit www.ocdstudy.info, |
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