Paid Opportunity - "Eyeblink Study" A Schizophrenia Research Study at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

From UC, San Diego:

The Eyeblink Study at UCSD is looking for participants with a:
  • Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder-depressed type
  • Who are 18-55 years old
  • Currently drug free (no recreation/street drugs).
  • Must be stable on antipsychotic medication for at least 1 month
  • Any medications other than antipsychotic medications need to be stable for at least 1 week

        This is an outpatient clinical trial study directed by Neal R. Swerdlow, M.D., Ph.D, Principal Investigator and Professor at UC San Diego, Department of Psychiatry. Our study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier: NCT02634684 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02634684?term=swerdlow&rank=5)

Here is some information about our study:
        Our study is looking at treatments to make it easier for people diagnosed with schizophrenia (and schizoaffective disorder-depressed type) to complete computerized cognitive training programs. The main difficulty for many people to complete these programs is sustaining attention. We’re evaluating whether an FDA-approved medication used to treat Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can also help people with schizophrenia complete these targeted computerized trainings.

        The medication is called d-amphetamine. It is given one time, only, and at a low dose of 10mg (approximately the starting dose given to people beginning this medication clinically for ADHD). We do not ask participants to change any of their current medications or lifestyle habits, including quantity of cigarettes for smokers, intake of caffeine per mg, etc. (within the past 30 days). Doing so would most likely delay a participant’s eligibility to participate or disqualify them from completing the study if they are participating mid-study.


Here is a detailed outline of our study:
SCHEDULING:
Before participation in the study, participants come to our office for an interview (2-3 hours) to determine participation eligibility. The study consists of 3 full day visits to our office (if eligible) scheduled 7 days apart. After the interview process, the 1st visit is a screening day. The 2nd and 3rd visits are test days. These full test days typically begin around 8:30 A.M. and end around 4:00 P.M. Transportation is always provided to and from our office, which located at UCSD Medical Center, Hillcrest (San Diego, CA).

FULL STUDY DETAILS:

      First Visit/Screen Day:
The first visit is a formal screening session consisting of a urine toxicology test (and pregnancy test for females), a brief physical and EKG, a few psychological and background questionnaires, a short EEG test, a 18 minute startle reflex test, and some cognitive tests of memory, attention and brain functioning. We provide breaks, smoke breaks for those who smoke, beverages, snacks, and lunch.
      **Second Visit/Test Day 1:**
These visits also begin with a urine toxicology test (and pregnancy test for females). We provide our participants with a breakfast and then administer either the active medication or a placebo (pill). We administer the 18 minute startle reflex test, and the cognitive tests of memory, attention and brain functioning. Vitals are taken 8 times during the day. We provide breaks, smoke breaks for those who smoke, beverages, snacks, and lunch.
      **Third Visit/Test Day 2:**
The 3rd visit/Test Day 2 is identical to the 2nd visit, with the exception that participants have blood drawn (5ml) at the hospital. Participants receive whichever pill they didn’t get on the prior visit, Test Day 1. So, if the they received the medication on the 2nd visit, they would get receive the placebo on the 3rd visit, and vice-versa.
             **On All Study Visits:**
    • We ask for a urine sample every visit to ensure there are no outside influences on our test results. The urine test is takes place as soon as possible after participants arrive at our office. Test results are provided immediately. If the test is positive, participants must be disqualified from the the study and cannot receive compensation.
    • One of our physicians is always onsite.
    • Compensation is provided at the end of each day.
    • Private transportation is always provided to and from our office at no cost.

COMPENSATION: *Provided at the end of each visit.

      • **Initial Interview:** $30 (2-3 hours)
      1. **First Visit/Screen Day:** $10/hour (typically between $60 - $80, from 9:00 A.M. ranging from 3:00 - 5:00 P.M.)
      2. **Second Visit/Test Day 1:** $100 (from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.)
      3. **Third Visit/Test Day 2:** $130 (from 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.)

If this sounds like something you are interested in, please contact us and we can discuss the study and your participation.

Thank you and Sincerely,
The Eyeblink Study Team at UC San Diego eyeblinkstudy@gmail.com (619) 543-2314

Check this out folks - if you live in the Southern California area - perhaps something to join.

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