This study investigates the role of dopamine (DA) in the reinforcement learning and decision- making deficits of patients with schizophrenia (SZ) through the integration of computational modeling with a program of behavioral experiments designed to test model based predictions. The goal of the work is to provide an integrative account of how abnormalities in DA function may underlie many of the disabling cognitive and motivational deficits of SZ, and explore the impact of antipsychotic treatments on functioning. With these reward studies we hope to determine the neural correlates of reward processing abnormalities in people with schizophrenia.

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First-degree relatives (brothers, sisters, parents, or children) of people with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder are invited to participate in brain imaging research

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• Participants between the ages of 18 and 64, male or female

• Cannot have history of brain injury or neurological disorder

• Cannot have current substance abuse or dependence

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Patients with psychosis are also invited to participate in this study

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• Participants between the ages of 18 and 64, male or female with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder

• Cannot have history of brain injury or neurological disorder

• Cannot have current substance abuse or dependence

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Healthy volunteers are also invited to participate in this study

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• Participants between the ages of 18 and 64, male or female

• Cannot have current substance abuse or dependence

• Cannot have history of brain injury or neurological disorder

• Cannot currently be taking any psychiatric medications or have any current psychiatric diagnosis

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What to expect:

• The study involves 3-4 appointments

  • 1 visit for screening (can be over zoom or in person)

  • 2 MRI scan days (in-person at Spring Grove Hospital)

  • 1 session for assessments (can be done at home or in person)

  • Additional study activities done at home

• Participants will be paid an hourly rate plus bonuses for their time

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The project is conducted under the direction of James A. Waltz, Ph.D., Associate Professor, MPRC Outpatient Research Program
 

If you or someone you know would like more information about this study, please contact Jacob Nudelman (jnudelman@som.umaryland.edu; 443-840-9087)