Functional Neuroimaging of Reward and Motivation Deficits in Schizophrenia (DAY2

This study aims to better understand the reward and motivation system of the brain and how brain activity can change in people with schizophrenia. We are actively recruiting first-degree family members of individuals with schizophrenia; we aim to compare our results from these family members to healthy controls and individuals with schizophrenia who have already completed our study. Participants should be between the ages of 18-60.

The study involves two visits. Participants will receive $80 for their time and effort on the first visit, and $45 on the second visit. Additionally, participants have a chance to win up to $120 in addition to the $45 on the second visit from the games they will play. Each study visit takes 4-6 hours to complete.

The first visit involves clinical interviews as well as self-report questionnaires asking about the participant’s feelings, emotions, and behaviors. Participants will also complete computerized tasks that include memory and puzzle-like problems, and they will have a small blood sample drawn.

On the second visit, participants will complete a one-hour MRI scan, during which they will play games that will allow them the chance to win money. The second visit also involves additional interview questions. Lastly, participants will play some gambling-like games on the computer, which will give them another chance to win money.

Principal Investigator: Daniel Wolf, M.D., Ph.D.