Schizophrenia Program

Meet our dynamic team!

(left to right)

Stephen Olson, M.D., Director, Elizabeth Lemke, M.A., C.C.R.C., Senior Research Coordinator, Jenjira Khamphitham, Research Assistant, Belle Khuu, Research Coordinator, Kim Snyder, Recruitment Coordinator. Missing: Jennifer Olson, Research Assistant.

Contact us:

To find out more information about research at the University of Minnesota, or to learn more about schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, call 612-627-4840 or email at schizophrenia@umn.edu

Why should you participate?

A video clip about participating in research

Current Schizophrenia Studies

HALO Study: Individuals diagnosed with Schizophrenia may experience cognitive deficits which include problems with, concentrating, paying attention, problem solving, learning, memory. A clinical research study is being conducted to learn about the safety and effectiveness of an investigational drug on Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia (CDS). Participants will receive all study-related care at no cost. Potential study participants must be: Between the ages of 18 and 55, diagnosed with schizophrenia, taking a stable dose of one of three specific antipsychotic medications, active smokers and additional criteria also apply. For more information, please call Schizophrenia Research at 612-627-4840 or email schizophrenia@umn.edu.

CONNECT Study: The Schizophrenia Program at the University of Minnesota is seeking volunteers with schizophrenia to participate in a 6 month cognition study. This study involves adding an investigational medication to participants who are taking FDA-approved antipsychotics.   Neurocognitive assessments and medication are provided at no cost. Participants will be reimbursed for their travel and time expenses. For more information, please call: 612-627-4840 or email: schizophrenia@umn.edu.

Metabolic Study: Patients who are overweight with high cholesterol but not diabetes, currently taking Zyprexa, Risperdal, or Seroquel are needed for a STN sponsored trial called Comparison of Antipsychotics for Metabolic Problems (CAMP). The study will compare the effect of an individualized nutrition/exercise program with a switch of medication to Abilify over a 6 month period. Subjects must be 18-65 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Antipsychotic medication, psychiatric care, metabolic testing, and the behavioral program all at not cost to participants.  Contact the Program at 612-627-4840 or schizophrenia@umn.edu for more information or if interested in participating.

Schizophrenia Brain Imaging Study at U of M: Volunteers are needed for a brain imaging study at the University of Minnesota, Medical School, Department of Psychiatry.  If you have Schizophrenia or other related illnesses, and are between the ages of 16 and 60, you may be eligible for a MRI study.  This is not a medication trial. A stipend is offered.  For more information, please call (612) 627-4825.  Flexible appointments are available to fit your scheduling needs.

Researchers are looking to enroll volunteers ages 10-19 with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder or individuals with no history of mental illness.  Individuals will be asked to complete two sessions.  During the first session we will conduct a thorough diagnostic interview.  The second session involves mock scanning and a functional MR scan.  Families will receive a written report on the findings of the clinical interview and will be paid for participating.  Call Dr. Tonya White or Angie at 612-273-9834 to learn more.