Upon admission, participants undergo an extensive medical and research evaluation including a physical examination, comprehensive neurological testing, psychological testing and diagnostic interviews. The evaluation may last several weeks and is followed by several months of research participation. The program provides individually tailored clinical treatment prior to discharge.

Length of Stay

Prospective research participants must be:

• Diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
• 18-55 years old
• Medically healthy
• Free of neurological problems (such as epilepsy)
• Free of drug and alcohol abuse for at least six months with no more than a five-year history of heavy use
• Free of severe developmental disorder (such as mental retardation)
• Able to understand the research program
• Be willing to consent to participation in the research protocols

Persons who are currently at risk of violent behavior toward self or others are not eligible.

Because participation is strictly voluntary, individuals are free to withdraw from the research protocols and/or the hospital at any time.

MRI imaging uses a magnetic field to take a picture of the brain. SPECT and PET imaging use an extremely small amount of radioactively labeled tracer drug to take a picture of the brain. These tests are very safe and the NIH carefully monitors radiation exposure to keep it well within safe limits. They require participants to sit or lie in place for approximately thirty minutes to two hours, depending on the type of scan.

It is extremely important for us to have some images of brain activity without the interference of any medication. This allows us to better study a person’s brain and how it functions. This also helps us to separate the effects of schizophrenia from the side effects of medication and to confirm the diagnosis of the patient. Participants will be asked to go without medication for approximately four weeks.

Most individuals participate in several neuroimaging studies throughout their stay. There is an approximately eight-week period during which participants will be given antipsychotic medication for four weeks and placebo (no medication) for four weeks. Participants will not be told when the medication-free period will occur. During the eight-week study, participants will take unidentified capsules every day. Neither the participant nor the nursing staff will know when the capsules contain medication. This allows participants and staff to evaluate symptoms without bias.

The medications used during this period are antipsychotic medications that are used in standard practice. Through these studies we can learn more about the mechanisms of these medications which we hope will lead to better medication treatment for those suffering from mental illness. In addition, we hope to learn more about each research participant’s clinical response so that recommendations can be made to them, their families, and their future mental health caregivers.

Occasionally, we study experimental drugs that are only available in research centers. We attempt to learn which of these drugs may be effective. We hope that they might lead to new directions in the development of medications for the treatment of schizophrenia. We recognize participants in these studies as pioneers in the cause for better treatment and we are grateful for their efforts.

The research staff discusses possible benefits, risks, and side effects of each study with the participant prior to their inclusion. Participants are asked to sign a written protocol each time a new study is begun. An individual’s right to refuse participation in a particular protocol is respected at all times. Family members, with the participant’s consent, may be kept informed of upcoming research activities.

Life on the Residential Unit

Clinical research care is provided by an experienced psychiatrist and supervised by a senior staff member. A well-trained nursing staff provides psychiatric nursing care and participates actively in evaluations, research, and treatment efforts. Occupational therapy, recreational therapy, art and music, therapy supportive and social skills groups are all part of the program.

A staff social workers assists each patient and family in understanding the research process, in gaining a better understanding of the illness, and in helping the family plan for the participant’s discharge. Because of the difficulties that may arise during discharge planning, participants and their families are encouraged to have a specific housing plan in place before they are admitted to the program

Free Treatment

Participation in the program involves no cost to the family or participant, except for travel to and from the program. The program is funded by the Federal Government through the Department of Health and Human Services.

Keep in mind that this program does not have unique answers or a cure for schizophrenia. Participants might not benefit from their participation in the program. Because of the intensive evaluation, excellent clinical care, and individual attention, modest improvements for many participants have been achieved. The program also provides, for some families, a needed respite.

There is an urgent need for greater knowledge concerning the causes of and treatment for schizophrenia and related disorders. By participating in research, you can make a significant contribution to our mission of understanding and finding better treatments for schizophrenia.

To apply to the program please contact: