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Transforming the understanding
and treatment of mental illnesses.

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Schizophrenia and the Brain, Inpatient Study

Join a Research Study: Enrolling nationally from around the country

To find out if you qualify, email the study team (schizophrenia@mail.nih.gov) or call 1-888-674-6464 [TTY: 711].

NIH is researching how the brain works in adults who have been affected by schizophrenia. Help us learn more about schizophrenia so that better treatments can be developed.

We are looking for volunteers who:

  • Are at least 18 years of age
  • Have a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum illness (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or unspecified schizophrenia spectrum/other psychotic disorder)
  • Are free of major medical illness

Research participation includes:

  • Psychiatric, neurological, and general medical evaluations
  • Symptom and neurocognitive assessments
  • Brain imaging (e.g., EEG, MRI) and other procedures

This inpatient study includes a period without medications under careful medical supervision, followed by a period devoted to the clinical care that is tailored to each participant’s specific needs. The study is usually six months long and generally has three phases:

  1. The first phase involves a thorough evaluation of diagnosis, medications, and treatment.
  2. The second phase includes evaluations during periods on and off standard medications, with each period ranging from four to six weeks.
  3. The third phase focuses on individualized treatment and discharge planning.

All evaluations and research procedures are free of cost. This inpatient study takes place at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. All lodging is free of charge, and support for transportation is provided. Insurance is not needed.

To find out if you qualify, email the study team (schizophrenia@mail.nih.gov) or call 1-888-674-6464 [TTY: 711].

Study Identifiers

  • NIMH Protocol Number: 89-M-0160
  • ClinicalTrials.gov Study Number: 00001247