If possible, we would also like parents and affected siblings to participate. Participation in the study involves a confidential interview with one of the staff psychologists or psychiatrists, and blood sample. No travel is required.
Monetary compensation is available for study participants.
Environmental and genetic factors are believed to play a role in determining who is susceptible to these diseases. While there is no evidence that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia occur more frequently among the Jewish population, Jewish individuals provide unique opportunities for genetic studies. This is because the Jewish tradition of marrying within the faith makes the genetic trail easier to follow. The Johns Hopkins research team is getting close to locating susceptibility genes for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is our hope that an understanding of the biological basis of these illnesses will allow new medications to be developed, preventative measures to be identified, and the stigma associated with mental illness to be eliminated.