Autism, Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Research Studies
The Psychosocial Research Center at The Children’s Hospital is currently recruiting children to participate in mood disorder, schizophrenia, and autism studies. All participants will be seen by specialized physicians who will aid in the evaluation of their condition. Studies are led by the following psychiatrists:
About Our Studies
A complete evaluation will be done at the beginning and end of the study with weekly or biweekly monitoring by a psychiatrist throughout. All study-related assessments and medication are provided at no cost. The study medications are investigational. There is no cost to participate in any of our studies. There is no charge for your visits with the psychiatrist, for your physical exam, and for any medications that you may receive.
Psychotherapy is not provided as part of these research studies; they are only medication clinical trials. Depending on the study, participation in psychotherapy while you are involved in the study may not be allowed, or could be allowed under the conditions outlined in the protocol.
Contact Information
For more information about any of the following clinical research studies, call (720) 777-6200 and ask for Psychosocial Research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Be sure to review frequently asked questions from our study volunteers and to learn more about our psychosocial research studies.
Current Studies
Schizophrenia Study
Schizophrenia is a difficult mental illness to identify in adolescence. Schizophrenia can cause abnormal thinking, strange feelings, and unusual behavior. Schizophrenia can occur in both males and females. Although there is no cure for schizophrenia, there are treatments, including medications that can effectively control the symptoms. Current medications have been proven safe and effective in adults, but have yet to be thoroughly studied in adolescents.
The symptoms of schizophrenia include:
If you or your child are 13 to 17 years old, are in general good health, and have been experiencing these symptoms for the past month, you may qualify to participate in a clinical research study for Schizophrenia. COMIRB 04-0515
Bipolar Disorder Study
Bipolar Disorder, also called manic depression, is characterized by extreme mood swings. Bipolar disorder is a difficult mental illness to identify in children. Its symptoms can resemble, or occur along with, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD.
Common symptoms of childhood bipolar disorder include:
-
Extreme irritability
- Lack of need for sleep
- Euphoria (extremely happy mood)
- Racing thoughts (jumping from one topic to another)
- Sexual behavior or talk that is inappropriate for age
- Grandiose thinking (feelings of being better than everyone else)
If you are 10 to 17 years old, are in general good health, and have been experiencing these symptoms for the past month, you may qualify to participate in a clinical research study for Bipolar Disorder. COMIRB 06-0276
Autism Study
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills.
If your child is 6 to 17 years old, has a diagnosis of autism, and is experiencing serious behavioral problems, specifically irritability, agitation, self-injurious behavior, and crying, you may qualify for a clinical research study for Autism. COMIRB 06-1001
