Schizophrenia Program

Meet our dynamic team!

(left to right)

Jenjira Khamphitham, Research Assistant; Elizabeth Lemke M.A., C.C.R.C., Senior Research Coordinator; Stephen Olson, M.D., Director; Belle Khuu, Research Coordinator; 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

Comparison of Optimal Antipsychotic Treatment for Schizophrenia (COATS): COATS is a research study designed to compare three antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.  These are aripiprazole, olanzapine and perphenazine.  COATS also compares and monitors side effects associated with these medications with simvastatin for high cholesterol, metformin for weight gain, and benztropine for inner restlessness and/or muscle stiffness.  Through these methods, COATS aims to find the best overall treatment for patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Eligible persons must have been treated with antipsychotic medication for less than 5 years, diagnosed with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder, aged 18-40, have a recent worsening of symptoms, do not have diabetes. The study will provide clinical care from a psychiatrist and treatment team specializing in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders, an individual behavioral intervention designed to help with weight loss and free study medications, free study-related care, and compensation for time. For more information, please call: 612-627-4840 or email: schizophrenia@umn.edu.

Metformin in the Treatment of Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain in Schizophrenia (METS) Study: Many antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder can cause weight gain.  METS is aimed at evaluating new treatment for this weight gain using metformin or placebo (an inactive drug).  Metformin is an FDA approved drug used to treat type 2 diabetes.  Studies have found that people with type 2 diabetes often lose some weight when they take metformin.  METS looks at whether metformin can help people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder lose weight. Eligible persons can be currently treated with one or a combination of two antipsychotic medications. Enrolled participants must be 18-65 of age, have been diagnosed with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder, have a BMI ≥ 27, and do NOT have diabetes. The study will provide clinical care from a psychiatrist and treatment team specializing in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders, an individual behavioral intervention designed to help with weight loss. Participants will also be provided with free study medications, free study-related care, and compensation for time. For more information, please call: 612-627-4840 or email: schizophrenia@umn.edu.

CAMP 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.