All information gathered during the study participation will be confidential and results will be published in a manner to ensure anonymity. Researchers from the Epidemiology and Genetics Program at the Johns Hopkins University are conducting genetic studies of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. 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 conclusive evidence that bipolar disorder and schizophrenia occur more frequently among the Jewish population, Jewish individuals provide unique opportunitites for genetic studies. This is because the Jewish tradition of marrying within the faith makes the genetic trail easier to follow. The success of the study is dependent on the willingness of individuals and famlies coping with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia to join. We are conducting a noninvasive neuroimaging study.