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SPARCS Study

Sleep, Psychosis, Associated Risk and Cognition Study (SPARCS Study)

A research study to investigate sleep-related memory and brain activity in people with early course psychosis, first-degree relatives and healthy volunteers.

Take our brief screening to see if you qualify for the SPARCS Study.

Principal Investigator: Matcheri Keshavan, MD

Why Participate in Research?

The Sleep Study is a National Institute of Mental Health funded research project that will study people with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, first-degree relatives of people with psychotic disorders (siblings, parents or children) and healthy controls, to investigate whether there are differences in brain activity during sleep and whether these differences affect memory and learning.

Why is Mental Health Research Important?

Schizophrenia and mood disorders remain among the least understood mental disorders. Understanding these illness can lead to improvements in caring for individuals.

Schizophrenia and mood disorders may share common and unique factors to the occurrences of these diseases. Identifying the differences of brain activity in sleep that affect memory and learning is the first step toward new, more effective treatments and ultimately possible prevention in people who may be at risk.

What will happen during the study?

Who can participate?

We are looking for 3 different types of volunteers:

People who have ever been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder

Ages 12-35
Schizophrenia, schizoaffective or mood disorder with psychosis
Fewer than 5 years since the onset of psychosis

People who have a first degree relative with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

Ages 12-35
Never been treated with antipsychotic drugs
No diagnosis of psychotic disorder

People who are healthy and do not have relatives with a psychotic disorder

Ages 12-35

Excluded from the study are people with mental retardation, serious medical conditions or prolonged drug or alcohol abuse.

This study takes place at the Massachusetts Mental Health Center, (MMHC) Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, (BIDMC) and Massachusetts General Hospital, (MGH). Individuals will be compensated with $595 for completion of the study. All assessments are free of charge.

For more information, please contact:

Corin Pilo-Comtois, LMHC (617) 754-1224

by email at cpilo@bidmc.harvard.edu

Please click on the link to view the brochure: SPARCS Brochure