Brain Circuits and Stress Comorbidity

Principal Investigator: L. Elliot Hong, MD

Study Contact

Name: Alina Siatka

Email Address: ut.prc@uth.tmc.edu

Phone Number: 713-486-2740

This study is currently looking for people who:

• Are 12 to 88 years old
• Are diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder
• Have no acute and unstable major medical illnesses that may affect brain functioning

Study Description:

The purpose of this research is to better understand and identify the brain circuitries that contribute to the high rate of medical conditions in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, focusing on stress response and stress regulations. We are hoping to identify the key brain circuits associated with age-related medical comorbidity and concrete biomarkers for new therapeutic developments. The results of this study are expected to advance our understanding of the relationship between stress, sleep, and psychopathology in schizophrenia, and this may allow for the development of novel treatments that can ultimately lead to reducing accelerated age-related brain and general health problems in patients.

Participants will receive clinical and diagnostic interviews, functional, symptom, and cognitive testing, MRI, and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. Study procedures also include saliva and urine sample collection, and a blood draw.

All participants will be compensated for their time.