Consortium on the Genetics of Schizophrenia (COGS)

• WHAT IS THIS STUDY ABOUT? -   The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has joined forces with university medical schools across the country including Harvard University, Mount Sinai, UCLA, UCSD, U. of Colorado, U. of Pennsylvania, and the University of Washington.  Through this collaborative research project we hope to learn more about the genetic basis of schizophrenia.  Understanding the genetic components of schizophrenia is crucial to finding out about the risk factors, and heritability of this illness.  If may also help to create more effective treatments, and hopefully someday, find a cure.

• WHO WOULD QUALIFY?  -

  • Families with at least one member with a diagnosis of schizophrenia

    • Males & females between the ages of 18-65

    • 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 & females between the ages of 18-65

    • 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 IF MY FAMILY DOES NOT LIVE NEAR ANY OF THE SCHOOLS LISTED?

  • In some cases we will be able to provide transportation and/or lodging for family members who do not live near any of the testing sites.

• WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO? -

  • Interview - (1 - 2.5 hours)

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

  • Assessments - (4.5 - 8.5 hours)

    • You will be asked to identify objects that are presented on a computer

    • Your brain's electrical activity will be recorded in response to sounds (electroencephalogram; EEG)

    • You will be asked to perform learning and memory tests.

  • Blood Sample

    • We will draw a small sample of blood (about 4 teaspoonsful)

• 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

  • Michael F. Green, Ph.D., Principal Investigator (310) 268-3376