Commonwealth Research Center
Treatment Units for Research of Neurocognition in Schizophrenia (TURNS)
Cognitive deficits (problems with thinking abilities, such as learning, memory and attention) are core features of schizophrenia and are major determinants of social and occupational functioning. Thus far, there has been a lack of effective treatments for these deficits. TURNS is the first NIMH-funded contract to evaluate new compounds for the treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. TURNS is the 2nd part of an initiative (followed by a study called MATRICS – Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia) from the NIMH and the FDA to reach a consensus on standards of measurement for cognition and clinical trials design. In the MATRICS study, a standardized cognitive test battery was developed for use in the TURNS study. The CRC was one of the sites where the MATRICS study was successfully completed early during the summer of 2005 – we owe an enormous amount of gratitude to the MMHC clinicians for their support and help!
The TURNS study is being conducted at seven research centers throughout the country. The sites include: Harvard Medical School (comprising the CRC here at MMHC and Mass. General Hospital), The University of California at Los Angeles, Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Washington University Medical Center, Nathan Kline Institute, Columbia University Medical Center and Duke University.
The first compound that will be evaluated by the TURNS study is an investigational new drug called Org 24448. Through an eight-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical drug trial, Org 24448 or placebo pills (inactive pills) will be added to a stable dose of atypical antipsychotic medication in 135 patients with schizophrenia across the country.
Research Participation
Participation is spread out over the course of 15 weeks. Patients do NOT change their regular medications to participate – the study medication or placebo pills are added to their regular medications. During the study visits, patients will take a series of medical and psychiatric exams, and cognitive tests (the MATRICS cognitive test battery). Patients earn $10 – $15 per hour, up to a total of $250 by the end of the study, depending on participation. To qualify for participation in TURNS, patients need to meet the following criteria:
- Diagnosis of schizophrenia
- 18-55 years of age
- Taking one of the following medications: aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone or ziprasidone
- Ability to understand English
- No excessive alcohol or other drug use within the past 6 months
- No serious medical illness (such as AIDS; cancer; or, heart, liver or kidney disease)
- No significant brain disease or head injury
- No pregnancy or nursing
Study Staff
Principal Investigator
Larry J. Seidman, Ph.D.
Project Director
Raquelle I. Mesholam-Gately, Ph.D.
Clinical Pharmacologist
James Feldman, M.D., M.P.H.
Backup Clinical Pharmacologists
T.-U. Wilson Woo, M.D., Ph.D.
Suzanna Zimmet, M.D.
Pharmacist
Robert Deforge, Pharm.D.
Clinical Assessor
Ann Cousins, M.S.N., APRN, BC
Backup Clinical Assessor
Joanne Wojcik, M.S., APRN, BC
Neuropsychological Tester
Caroline Patterson, B.A.
Coordinator, Recruiter & Research Assistant
Sean C. Neri, B.A.
617-626-9562
To receive more information about this study or to discuss participation, contact:
Sean C. Neri, B.A.
617-626-9562