Brain Training Study

This study is investigating whether computer-based targeted cognitive training improves brain function, concentration, memory, social functioning, and performance at school or work.

Brain Training Study

Who is eligible? 

This study is recruiting individuals who are having psychotic-like experiences and/or feeling distress associated with their mental health. 

You may be eligible to take part in this research study if you are between 15-30 years and have had any of the following difficulties:

• Difficulties with academic, work, or social functioning
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
• Suspiciousness or uneasiness with others
• Withdrawal from friends or family and spending a lot of time alone
• Decline in self-care or personal hygiene
• Feeling more anxious depressed or out of touch
• Having strange feelings or no feelings at all
• Feeling like your mind is playing tricks on you

What's involved? 

1. Two 3-4 hour behavioral study sessions involving a personal interview, questionnaires, and computer tasks testing memory, attention, and reasoning and problem solving ($10/hour).
2. Two scans (3 hours each scan) at the functional MRI scanner at Harvard ($25/hour).
3. Computer-based cognitive training (up to $550)
1. 25 hours of cognitive training (1 hour a day, 5 days a week, for 5 weeks)
2. Training is completed on the computer (in lab or in your home)
3. Training consists of playing games on the computer

Contact

Phone: 559-904-4431

Email: braintrainingstudy@gmail.com

Neurodevelopment of Social Cognition

This study is enrolling children ages 8-13 in a study exploring how the brain processes social situations and how this relates to children's experiences of the world around them and their social relationships. 

Neurodevelopment of Social Cognition

To learn more about participating please call Sarah Hope Lincoln at559-904-4431 or email childsocialstudy@gmail.com

The study involves 2 parts:

1) A 3-4 hour behavioral session that includes questionnaires and interviews with a researcher. 

2) A one-hour long brain scan during which your child will be asked to do some simple tasks.

The family is compensated $10/hour, and the child receives gift cards ($10/hour) for the first part.  The family is compensated $25/hour, and the child receives gift cards ($25/hour) for the scan.  It is possible to receive up to $110 in gift cards for the child, and $110 for the family.

There are four ways your child may be eligible to participate in this study.

Option 1

If your child has reported ANY of the following, he/she may be eligible for this study:

1) Feeling she or he may be able to read minds or have his/her mind read?

2) Worrying about being watched or feeling mistrustful of people?

3) Hearing things that others do not seem to hear?

4) Seeing shadows or vague figures?

5) Isolating from peers, friends, or family?

Option 2

If your child has a sibling or parent with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, she or he may be eligible for this study.

Option 3

If your child has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (including Asperger syndrome and PDD-NOS), she or he may be eligible for this study.

Option 4

Your child may also be eligible if she or he:

1) Is between the ages of 8-13

2) Has no history of mental illness (e.g. anxiety, depression, psychosis)

3) Has no history of neurological problems

Biomarkers of Vulnerability Study

This study is investigating brain function and structure, as well as personality and cognition, in individuals who have a first-degree relative with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. 

Biomarkers of Vulnerability Study

What's involved? There are 3 parts: 1) a 2-5 hour behavioral session examining cognition and personality ($10/hour), 2) a 2-hour fMRI scan ($25/hour), 3) a 2-4 week online questionnaire study (compensation varies). 

Contact us: If you're interested in participating, please email us at socialbrainstudy@gmail.com or call us at 857-277-4419. Please mention the "FAME Study" in your email.