Psychosis Study (H-41059)

NMDA Receptor in Psychosis: Specific Auto-Antibodies

Schizophrenic and bipolar psychoses are chronic and disabling brain disorders that affect many persons of all backgrounds. It is thought that in the brain of people with schizophrenic psychosis there is a decreased amount of a receptor known as the N-acetyl methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which normally facilitates thinking and memory. It is not known why this receptor is decreased, but a reasonable possibility is that in some people the receptor is being attacked by antibodies, produced by the body of the person with psychosis.

The goal of this study is to determine whether there are increased antibodies against the NMDA receptor in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of people with psychosis, when compared with healthy controls. Recognizing this problem is critical because when the antibodies are lowered by treatment, the NMDA receptors recover, and the psychosis would be eliminated or at least greatly improved.

• Individuals of either sex, 18-35 years of age
• Admitted for a psychotic episode in its broadest definition, including manic psychosis
• Normal academic performance at least until the age of 15 years and the absence of psychiatric symptoms before the same age
• Sufficient communication and comprehension ability to assent or consent to the performance of the study

Both English and Spanish speaking subjects will be included.

• Individuals of either sex, 18-35 years of age
• Enough communication and comprehension ability to consent to the performance of the study

Both English and Spanish speaking subjects will be included.

• History of brain tumor, stroke, epilepsy, severe head trauma or multiple sclerosis
• In the judgment of the PI, psychosis is related to substance abuse or metabolic disorders
• Active cancer, metabolic encephalopathy, infection, severe cardiovascular or renal disease
• Current antiplatelet or anticoagulation medication

• History of brain tumor, stroke, severe head trauma or multiple sclerosis
• Primary axis I or II psychiatric disorder
• Current use of psychotropic or anti-epileptic medication
• Active cancer, metabolic encephalopathy, infection or cardiovascular disease
• Active hematological, renal, pulmonary, endocrine or hepatic disorders
• Current antiplatelet or anticoagulation medication

Testing: Lumbar punctures, neurological and physical examinations, cognitive testing and neuropsychiatric assessments, blood specimen collection.

Costs: No costs will be charged for any of the study procedures.

To compensate your time in the study, you will receive $150 once you have completed all the procedures of the study.

For more details, please call (713) 873-5145 or (346) 266-8167.