PRAC Screening Protocol - Children 14-17 with Schizophrenia

STUDY BASICS

Has your child received a diagnosis of Schizophrenia or have experienced hallucinations (hearing voices), paranoia, or other psychotic symptoms in the last 5 years? Your child may be eligible to participate in a research study to do an evaluation which will determine your eligibility for additional research studies aimed at increasing our understanding of psychosis. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this research study is to do an evaluation which will allow us to determine your child’s eligibility for additional research studies aimed at increasing our understanding of psychosis. 

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

• Between the ages of 14 and 17 years
• Have experienced psychosis
• Must have no history of head trauma or seizures
• No recent history of alcohol or drug abuse.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Assessments will last approximately 2-3 hours.

• Interviews about your feelings and experiences and family history of psychiatric illness. If you have experienced psychosis, we may also obtain information from your medical records and, if applicable, treatment team.
• A vocabulary and problem-solving test.
• A urine drug screen to test for the presence of illegal substances (like marijuana and cocaine) and other drugs. A positive urine drug screen will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Results from these tests will be known only to you and the study member administering these tests.
• We will also ask questions about your medical and medication histories, and any history of counseling or psychiatric treatment.  
• For UPMC patients, we will review and record all past, present and future medical record information related to their psychiatric care. For healthy controls, if WPH records exist, they will be reviewed to verify eligibility.