Prodromal "Symptoms" Social Withdrawal/Psychosis Risk at the Center of Prevention and Evaluation (COPE)

Contact name: Cheryl Corcoran, MD

Phone: (212)-543-6177

Fax: (212)-543-6176

Email: cc788@columbia.edu

Disorder: social withdrawal, decline in function, suspiciousness, odd behavior, changes in perception

Geographic location: New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia, in Washington Heights

Other keywords: Adolescents, teens, risk , social withdrawal, depression, anxiety, prodromal, odd, function

Participant compensation: $10/hour plus $10 for travel

Time commitment required: 2 years, research every 3 months

Drug trial: No

Recruitment end date (approximate): October 20, 2006

Study criteria (i.e., age or gender requirements):
Ages 12-25, attenuated or subtle psychotic-like symptoms (any oddness, suspiciousness, perceptual changes, mild confusion, depression, anxiety, unusual thoughts)
AND/OR
psychosis in a first-degree relative PLUS a recent decline in functioning

Exclusion criteria:
Serious risk for harm to self or others
Major medical or neurological problems
Mental retardation
History of psychosis or mania

Brief description of study:
2 year prospective study that offers treatment (therapy, pharmacology evaluation, family support and education) to teenagers and young adults who have become socially withdrawn, with changes in interest and motivation, and who may have trouble with their thoughts i.e. feelings of suspiciousness, perceptual changes, feelings of unreality, and even personality changes

Additional information:
Substance use is not an exclusion criterion.