Babies of Mothers with Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder or Bipolar Disorder

We are conducting a study to follow the early brain development of children whose mothers have mental illness. You may participate in this study if you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder.

The study involves three separate visits for ultrasounds: once during the second trimester, once during the third trimester, and once shortly after the birth of your child. You will also be asked confidential medical history questions by a study nurse or program coordinator.

A developmental assessment will be done when your child is one and two years old. Your child will also have the opportunity to have an MRI of his or her brain after birth and at the one- and two-year follow-up visits as well. You will receive $50 for each of the study visits and be reimbursed for travel and parking expenses.

By participating, you may be helping women with mental illness who have babies in the future by improving our knowledge of how these babies develop. This is a voluntary study, you will be compensated, and all information gathered is confidential.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Dianne Evans, Program Coordinator (919.843-2389 or 866.849.0541 (toll free) or email: ddevans@med.unc.edu). She can explain the study in more detail and answer any questions that you may have.

Related Links

Babies of Mothers with Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder or Bipolar Disorder Brochure

Conte.unc.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Early Brain Development Study – Babies of Mothers with Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder or Bipolar Disorder?
Any mother with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder who has a singleton or twin pregnancy at any gestational age is eligible. Mothers may also enroll their babies after birth.

Will it cost me anything to be in this study?
There are no costs to subjects for participating in this research study.

Will I be paid anything if I participate in this study?
All study participants will receive $50 for each of the study visits (for a potential total of $400) and be reimbursed for travel and parking expenses.

I would like to participate in this study but I don’t drive/have a car?
Transportation can be provided if needed.

Will my participation in thei Study be kept confidential?
Yes, all information gathered is confidential.

Will you accept patients who have used alcohol or drugs in the past?
A patient with a history of substance abuse is fine so long as she is not actively using substances now.

Why participate in the Early Brain Development Study – Babies of Mothers with Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder or Bipolar Disorder?
By participating you may be helping women with mental illness who have babies in the future by improving our knowledge of how these babies develop.

Who can’t participate in the Early Brain Development Study – Babies of Mothers with Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder or Bipolar Disorder?
Mothers with HIV, any known chromosomal abnormality, or any major congenital abnormality cannot participate.

Twins