What Is Schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder, which affects approximately 2.5 million people in the United States each year. Schizophrenia is associated with several symptoms including hallucinations (e.g., hearing voices that aren't heard by others) or delusional thinking (e.g., the belief that another person is controlling one's thoughts). Speech, behavior, and emotions may also be affected by the disorder. Mount Sinai's studies aim to identify genetic factors that may be passed from one generation to the next. These factors may predispose some family members to develop schizophrenia
Investigating Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia and Related Disorders :
The Family Studies Program at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine is conducting genetic research studies of schizophrenia and related disorders. The research studies are funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, and are being carried out in cooperation with several prestigious institutions from around the country .
Current Studies
(click on specific study for more info)
Consortium on the Genetics of Endophenotypes and Schizophrenia (COGS)
This study aims to identify the link between certain characteristics called Endophenotypes (e.g., eye movements, verbal memory) in families and the chance of developing schizophrenia. For this research study we are seeking individuals who have schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, as well their parents and a sibling who is not affected by the disorder. Participation includes a small sample of blood, an interview session about yourself and your family, and a visit to our Endophenotype Laboratory. Participation at the laboratory will include non-invasive testing to identify the Endophenotypes
GCO# 01-0550
IRB approved 6/25/07- 2/28/08
PI: Larry Siever
Sponsor: NIMH
A Program in Biological Psychiatry
The aim of this study is to obtain additional evidence for a genetic marker for schizophrenia and related disorders. We are specifically seeking families who originated in Vega Alta or Corozal, Puerto Rico . We are seeking families with one or more individuals affected with schizophrenia or schizophrenia related disorder, as well as their siblings, above the age of 18. Participation involves interviews and a small sample of blood from all willing members of the family.
GCO# 98-041
IRB approved 4/01/07- 3/31/08
PI: Jeremy Silverman, Ph.D.
Sponsor: VA Merit
Why Should My Family Participate?
People with schizophrenia and their families know the damaging effects of this illness. These families share our hope that finding genes for the disorder will help researchers understand more about the biological causes of the illness. As a result, we will likely be able to develop more effective treatments. Without the help of people like you and your family, no study of the genetic contributors to schizophrenia can succeed and little progress can be made. We depend on your participation.
Please contact us if you are interested in participating in one of the studies, if you have any questions or concerns, or would like more information:
