Emotion Processing in Schizophrenia (ANCAP)

• WHAT IS THIS STUDY ABOUT? -   Anhedonia, the diminished capacity to experience pleasant emotions, is a common, treatment-resistant symptom of schizophrenia that is associated with difficulties in social functioning.  The purpose of this study is to better understand the nature of emotion processing deficits in people with schizophrenia, compared with people who do not have schizophrenia.

• WHO WOULD QUALIFY?  -

  • Patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia

  • Males & females between the ages of 18-60

  • No current substance abuse

  • No history of head injury with loss of consciousness

  • No history of seizures or other neurological disorders

  • Community control subjects

  • Males and females between the ages of 25-55

  • Not currently taking psychotropic medications

  • No history of major psychiatric disorder

  • No history of substance dependence

  • No first degree relative with Schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder

  • No history of head injury with loss of consciousness

  • No history of seizures or other neurological disorders

• WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO? -

  • Interview - (1 hour and 45 minutes)

    • covering topics of personal, emotional, substance use history, etc.

  • Assessments - (4.5 - 8.5 hours)

    • You will be asked to view a series of pictures that are presented on a computer screen.

    • Your brain's electrical activity will be recorded in response to looking at these pictures (electroencephalogram; EEG)

    • You will be asked to complete ratings of your feelings about these pictures and questionnaires about your emotional experiences.

• COMPENSATION?

  • We pay $15 per hour and will reimburse you for travel related costs

• CONTACT INFORMATION FOR QUESTIONS OR ENROLLMENT

  • Christen Waldon, Project Recruiter (310) 478-3711 ext. 49234  cwaldon@mednet.ucla.edu

  • William P. Horan, Ph.D., Principal Investigator (310) 478-3711 ext. 44041