Molecular Genetics Of Schizophrenia
________________________________________
The
Family Studies Program at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine is
conducting a research study on the molecular genetics of schizophrenia.
The study is funded by National Institute of Mental Health and is part
of a national effort to identify specific genes that contribute to the
development of schizophrenia in family members. Because we are
interested in addressing the relationship between genetics and
schizophrenia, we are focusing on individuals affected by schizophrenia
and/or schizoaffective disorder and their unaffected family members.
Protocol
participation includes one blood sample and an interview session with
the participant and his/her family. Scheduling for interviews and blood
draw will be made to best suit the family member, and may be conducted
either in the home or at the hospital site.
Why Should My Family Participate?
People
with Schizophrenia and their families know the damaging effects of this
illness. These families share our hope that finding genes for the
disorder will help researchers understand more about the biological
causes of the illness. As a result, we will likely be able to develop
more effective treatments. Without the help of people like you
and your family, no study on genetic contributions to schizophrenia can
succeed and little progress can be made. We depend on your
participation.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis of schizophrenia and/or schizoaffective disorder
- Age: 18+
Our hope is that clinicians will be enthusiastic in recommending participation and will help their patients to explore any questions or uncertainty that they may have about participation. It is also our hope that patients will embrace this opportunity to take part in an effort to better understand and, in the future, more effectively treat schizophrenia.
Financial compensation will be provided once the blood sample and participant/family interviews are completed.
GCO# 98-367
IRB approved 8/1/05 - 7/31/06
PI: Jeremy Silverman, Ph.D.
Sponsor: NIMH
Confidentiality will not be compromised, and participants can withdraw from the study at any time.
Clinical Research Coordinator
Tel: 212-659-5619
Email: lauren.kryzak@mssm.edu