Schizophrenia Paid Research Study
Researchers at Northeastern University are conducting a study in adults ages 18–60 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder to better understand the condition and how it affects the brain.
Fast Facts
Diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
18-60
Years Old
Compensation
Provided Up To $80/hr
Conducted in
Boston, MA
Study Background
Researchers at Northeastern University are conducting a study in adults ages 18–60 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder to understand the condition, how it develops, and potential ways to improve treatment.
Schizophrenia and related symptoms, such as auditory hallucinations and difficulties with motivation or focus, are linked to changes in the brain’s dopamine system and other neural circuits. This study aims to learn more about alternative approaches for people whose symptoms do not fully improve with current treatments. We also seek to better understand how schizophrenia affects adults early in its course, with the goal of identifying ways to support brain health and daily functioning.
Ultimately, the findings of this study may help improve treatment strategies and enhance quality of life for people living with schizophrenia.
Study Background
Researchers at Northeastern University are conducting a study in adults ages 18–60 with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder to understand the condition, how it develops, and potential ways to improve treatment.
Schizophrenia and related symptoms, such as auditory hallucinations and difficulties with motivation or focus, are linked to changes in the brain’s dopamine system and other neural circuits. This study aims to learn more about alternative approaches for people whose symptoms do not fully improve with current treatments. We also seek to better understand how schizophrenia affects adults early in its course, with the goal of identifying ways to support brain health and daily functioning.
Ultimately, the findings of this study may help improve treatment strategies and enhance quality of life for people living with schizophrenia.
Additional Information
In this research study at Northeastern University, we are trying to better understand schizophrenia and related symptoms in adults ages 18–60. We aim to learn more about how the brain’s dopamine and reward systems are affected in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, difficulties with motivation, and reduced pleasure are linked to changes in these brain circuits, as well as other biological and behavioral factors, all of which we will measure.
We also hope to explore whether targeted activities and interventions can help improve these symptoms. By using neuroscience to guide our study, we aim to identify approaches that may support brain function and improve daily life for people living with schizophrenia.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults ages 18–60
- Diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- Experience auditory hallucinations (hearing voices, sounds, or noises that others do not hear)
- Lives in New England (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire), and is able to travel to Boston
Exclusion Criteria:
- Lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder or other primary psychiatric disorders (excluding schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder)
- Serious, unstable neurological disorders, including seizures, epilepsy, stroke, or brain tumor (headache or migraine do not exclude)
- History of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness or hospitalization
- MRI contraindications (claustrophobia, metal in the body, weight over 300 lbs)
The entire study lasts several months. Once enrolled, the study involves:
In the lab: 4–5 visits, including a pre-scan assessment and multiple neurofeedback scan sessions. During these visits, you will complete clinical and neuropsychological assessments, voice recordings, and MRI scans. Interviews may be audio and video recorded. The pre-scan assessment may take 5–6 hours, which can be split over two sessions to minimize fatigue. Scan visits last approximately 2–2.25 hours each, including assessments, MRI screening, and neurofeedback sessions. A final follow-up visit occurs about one week after the third scan and takes approximately 30 minutes.
From home: You may be asked to complete brief tasks or voice recordings to support the study between visits.
As a participant, you may earn $20 per hour for clinical and neuropsychological assessments, $80 for each fMRI/neurofeedback session, and $15 per hour to cover travel to and from Northeastern University.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.