Commonwealth Research Center
First Episode Brain Study (FEBS): A Longitudinal Assessment of Psychosis
Principal Investigator: Larry J. Seidman, Ph.D.
Co-Principal Investigators: Melissa Frumin, M.D., Alan I. Green, M.D., Robert W. McCarley, M.D., Margaret Niznikiewicz, Ph.D., Martha E. Shenton, Ph.D.
Co-Investigators and Study Staff: Brina Caplan, Ph.D., Ed.D., Ann Cousins, M.S.N., APRN, BC, Chandlee Dickey, M.D., Anthony J. Giuliano, Ph.D., Alexandra Louis, B.S., Raquelle Mesholam-Gately, Ph.D., Christine Portal, B.S., Fran Schopick, M.S.W., Joanne Wojcik, M.S., APRN, BC, T.-U. Wilson Woo, M.D., Ph.D., Suzanna Zimmet, M.D.
This research project begins a line of investigation to study clinical symptoms, event related potential (ERP), structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), fMRI and neuropsychological function in patients within a first episode of psychosis. The specific aims of this proposal are to obtain baseline and short-term follow-up (6-12 months) data: to evaluate possible changes in brain structure (MRI) and brain functioning (fMRI, ERP and cognition) over time.
Previous data show that impairments in cognitive functioning and decreases in P300 amplitude occur in patients with schizophrenia. MRI and fMRI studies also suggest there may be changes in brain structure and functioning associated with schizophrenia. This study, with its large broad based inclusive sample, is designed to assess various patients within the spectrum of first episode psychosis, from brief reactive psychosis to schizophrenia, early in the course of the illness. The one year longitudinal assessment will allow for an evaluation of the progression of these abnormalities over time.
All patients with a diagnosis of first episode psychosis, between the ages of 18 and 55, will be asked to join this long term study of the naturalistic course of their illness with the major domains of interest being clinical symptoms, ERP, structural MRI, DTI, fMRI and neuropsychological testing at baseline and 6-12 months.
People taking part in the study will be paid for each part of the evaluation: The evaluations will take place at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital MRI Center and the Massachusetts General Hospital Imaging Center. At the end of the assessments the researchers will review the findings of the interviews, MRI scans, fMRI scans, EEG, and paper and pencil tests with the participant.
Additional goals of this research are to elucidate the relationship of these abnormalities to clinical symptoms and cognitive functioning and to evaluate the progression of these abnormalities over time, with an eye toward the eventual development of treatments that limit this progression.
If you would like further information on this study, please contact:
Alexandra Louis, B.S.
Phone: (617) 626-9638
Email: [email protected]
Fran Schopick, M.S.W.
Phone: (603) 953-3022
Email: [email protected]