Schizophrenia Research Study
Researchers at Emory University are conducting a NIMH-funded study that is looking at how inflammation may be related to certain symptoms in schizophrenia, including motivational deficits, as well as changes in brain reward circuitry.
Fast Facts
Ages 18-55
Diagnosed with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder
Compensation Up to $660
Conducted in Atlanta, GA
Study Background
Emory University is seeking individuals to participate in a research study to examine how inflammation may lead to certain symptoms of schizophrenia.
We are looking at how inflammation may be related to certain symptoms of schizophrenia, motivational deficits, and brain reward circuitry. We will be administering a single infusion of the the anti-inflammatory drug Infliximab in order to investigate this relationship.
Participants will attend up to 11 study visits, which include an fMRI scan, EKG, behavioral testing/assessments, blood draws, and lumbar puncture.
Findings from this study will determine the relationship between inflammation and symptoms of schizophrenia.
Study Background
Emory University is seeking individuals to participate in a research study to examine how inflammation may lead to certain symptoms of schizophrenia.
We are looking at how inflammation may be related to certain symptoms of schizophrenia, motivational deficits, and brain reward circuitry. We will be administering a single infusion of the the anti-inflammatory drug Infliximab in order to investigate this relationship.
Participants will attend up to 11 study visits, which include an fMRI scan, EKG, behavioral testing/assessments, blood draws, and lumbar puncture.
Findings from this study will determine the relationship between inflammation and symptoms of schizophrenia.
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to examine how inflammation may lead to certain symptoms of schizophrenia.
Participants may qualify for this study if they meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-55
- Diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- No substance dependence (including alcohol or other drugs)
- Live in Atlanta and are able to attend in-person study visits at Emory University
Once enrolled, this study involves:
- Prescreening (2-3 hours): diagnostic eligibility, behavioral/psychiatric assessments, CRP blood draw, urine drug screen, serum pregnancy test (if applicable)
- Screening (2-3 hours): behavioral/psychiatric assessments, physical, medical history, blood draw for safety labs, urine toxicology screen
- Visit 1 (5 hours): fMRI scan, behavioral testing/assessments, EKG, research blood draw, safety lab blood draw, urine drug screen, pregnancy test (if applicable)
- Visit 2 (5 hours): COVID swab, safety lab blood draw, urine drug screen, pregnancy test (if applicable), infusion of study drug (Infliximab) or placebo, behavioral testing/assessments (if not completed at previous visits)
- 24-hour follow-up (1-2 hours): adverse event assessment, safety lab blood draw, research blood draw, behavioral/psychiatric assessments
- 3-day follow-up (1-2 hours): adverse event assessment, safety lab blood draw, research blood draw, behavioral/psychiatric assessments
- 7-day follow-up (2-3 hours): adverse event assessment, safety lab blood draw, research blood draw, behavioral/psychiatric assessments
- 14-day follow-up (5 hours): fMRI scan, behavioral testing/assessments, safety lab blood draw, research blood draw, urine drug screen, pregnancy test (if applicable)
- (Optional) Lumbar Puncture (2 hours): lumbar puncture to collect cerebrospinal fluid, behavioral/psychiatric assessments
- Post-lumbar puncture (phone call/Zoom): adverse event assessment, one psychiatric assessment
- 1-month follow-up (phone call/Zoom): adverse event assessment, one psychiatric assessment
Compensation is provided up to $660 for your participation.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
