CLINICAL BRAIN DISORDERS BRANCH

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Who can participate?

What do I have to do?

Do I change medication?

Do I get paid?

Where does the study take place?

What about lodging and transportation costs?

How can I get involved?

Schizophrenia is a complex brain disorder affecting thoughts and perceptions. This illness affects at least 1% of the population worldwide, regardless of race, economic condition, or geographic location. Families who have one member of the family ill with schizophrenia have a greater chance of developing this illness than families who have no relative with this illness.

The scientists at the National Institute of Mental Health believe that environmental factors combined with genetic predisposition lead to the development of schizophrenia. The NIMH genetic studies focus on gathering families' genetic and environmental information to better understand what places one family member at risk and conversely, what protects other family members. To this end, family members are asked to participate in a number of procedures that help scientists measure various family characteristics to see if they run in families. Genotyping, or DNA analysis, is an important part of this process. However, families should understand that this is a very complex analysis and NIMH does not plan to provide family members with individual genetic test results.

The scientists believe that future treatments and preventive methods will rely heavily on the findings of this developing study. It is for this reason that we ask families to participate. Hundreds of families are needed. The staff at NIMH invites you and your family to review this website and welcome you to call us for more information.

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