Information for Participants

Who may participate?

We need help from African Americans diagnosed with:

• Schizophrenia
• AND their relatives

Relatives with the illnesses we are studying, as well as relatives who do not have the illnesses may both qualify.

Why should I - or my family members - participate?

• Schizophrenia occurs in people of all backgrounds.  We know that people of different cultures report different symptoms. Sometimes they need different treatment. This study will help us understand this illness in African Americans.
• Whether you are prone to schizophrenia is partly due to genetic risk factors.  By focusing on African Americans, we hope to identify risk factors important to African Americans.
• These days, clinicians rarely are given enough time to spend with patients.  We provide a complete assessment. This could benefit your clinical care, if you allow us to share this information with your care provider.
• We know that schizophrenia is over diagnosed in African Americans, but we don’t know why. This study will help us understand why it happens.  We may learn how we can improve recognition in the future. This will also improve control and treatment of mental health illnesses.
• We will review state and privately funded programs- aimed at helping you and your family members. We will also describe educational programs for patients and their families. These programs are about improving treatment and quality of life. There is no cost to you for this.
• Taking part in research to understand the causes of schizophrenia may give you personal satisfaction, since, this study will be helpful to future generations of African Americans.
• Reimbursement of $100, after completion of the study.

What will I be asked to do if I choose to participate?

We ask each participant to complete some or all of the following, depending on eligibility. Please ask our staff for details.

• A clinical interview and/or family history of illness
• A series of computerized and pen and paper tests of memory, coordination, and attention
• And to provide a small sample of blood

Will I need to travel?

If you live close to one of our sites, you will come to our office. If you are unable to come to the office, we will travel to you, including to your home if you wish, to conduct the study procedures.

Will this cost me anything?

No. The research procedures will not cost you anything.

What else should I know?

• We do not interfere with your clinical treatment. There is no need to change doctors or medications.
• We keep all information strictly confidential.
• Each participant who completes the study will receive $100.

To Participate:

Call one of the contact numbers below, and obtain details as to how your family may participate in this important study.

CALL TOLL FREE
1-87P-AARTNER

OR CONTACT US DIRECTLY:

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM: 205- 934-2484

MOREHOUSE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE: 404-756-5287

DUKE UNIVERSITY: 919-575-7163

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA: 843-792-3108

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI: 601-362-4471

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA: 215-662-7388

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH: 1-877-363-5895

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE MEMPHIS: 901-448-3134