7T Dissection of Antipsychotic Treatment Response - Control Population

STUDY BASICS

Are you between ages 18-40? Are you without any neurological conditions that could affect brain functioning? You may be eligible for a research study to answer specific questions about how the treatment of schizophrenia with antipsychotic medication works. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this research study is to use brain imaging to examine the way that antipsychotic drug therapy works. We plan to study up to 75 patients starting antipsychotic treatment, and 30 volunteers not on antipscyhotic treatment between the ages of 18 and 40. Currently, we do not understand exactly how antipsychotic drugs impact certain chemicals in the brain. Brain imaging may help us to discover why certain drugs work better for certain individuals, and we need to know more about how we can provide the right medication for a particular patient. 

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Eligible participants are:

• Ages 18-40
• Without neurological conditions that could affect brain functioning 

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

We will do a diagnostic and brief neuropsychological assessment, followed by two MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans separated by 8 weeks. The scan itself consists of you lying down on a table, which then slides into the scanner to take pictures of your brain. We provide you with earplugs to reduce the noise level in the scanner. You will be asked to lie still in the scanner for approximately one and a half hours.