What is the First Episode Psychosis research team studying?

The aims of research with first-episode psychosis patients are 1) to characterize brain abnormalities associated with early stages of the illness 2) to characterize changes in brain functioning associated with treatment We recruit patients who have no or very limited prior treatment histories who present to health care providers at UIC or other facilities.

It is not known what causes psychosis. Psychotic symptoms most often occur in disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depression), and most often first appear between the ages of 15 and 40. Our interest is to study psychosis associated with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or a major mood disorder like bipolar illness when psychotic symptoms are also present.

In some cases psychotic episodes may result from a metabolic or neurologic disorder. Also, some types of substances can temporarily cause psychotic symptoms, but do not cause a mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Although it can be difficult to determine whether these are the reason for psychosis when a patient first presents with psychotic symptoms, we would rule out such cases from the first episode research study when possible.

What is “first-episode psychosis”?

During a psychotic episode, people have trouble thinking clearly, communicating effectively, behaving appropriately, and may lose their grip on reality. Hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing things that are not there), delusions (believing things that are not true) and confused thinking are some of the hallmark signs of psychosis. A “first episode” is simply the first time in a person's life that such problems are apparent. They can either appear suddenly (in a matter of days) or may develop slowly over time (months or even years).

What procedures are involved in the study?

The study involves several components, designed to assess brain function in different ways. We use 

paper and pencil tests of thinking abilities computerized tests of thinking abilities a psychophysiology lab, where we monitor eye movements during tests of attention and other types of cognitive tasks functional MRI, where we monitor brain activity during cognitive tasks and eye movements

In addition, patients may opt to also participate in the genetic component of our study. Genetic markers are evaluated in relation to treatment response and to performance on the tests.

After patients have been evaluated off medication, which takes 2-3 days and may be done during an inpatient admission if indicated, treatment begins. After 4-6 weeks, we repeat all the tests to evaluate the effects of the treatment.

CLICK HERE to take a tour of our research procedures

How are the First Episode Psychosis research study and the First Episode Psychosis Clinic related?

Both are part of the Center for Cognitive Medicine, directed by John Sweeney, Ph.D. Numerous faculty and staff work together on both the research project and the operation of the clinic. Patients may receive care from the clinic and choose not to participate in the research study. Similarly, patients may choose to participate in the research but receive their treatment elsewhere, and research staff will coordinate with the providers of the patient's choosing. The only exception to this is if the patient needs to be hospitalized. In that case, in order to participate in the study, the inpatient care must be provided at the University of Illinois Hospital, adjacent to the building where the first episode psychosis study is conducted.

LINKS:

View our study's pamphlet

First Episode Psychosis Clinic

View all current research participation opportunities at the Center for Cognitive Medicine