Contact Information

If you think that your child might be eligible for this study or for more information, please call the ASPIRE research hotline at 1-800-708-0048.

In this study, participants will receive a diagnostic evaluation including a parent interview and a child evaluation free of charge.  Each participant is followed closely by highly skilled professionals for the duration of the study at no cost to your family.

 Benefits for your participation:

• Free diagnostic evaluation
• Free physical exams
• Free lab work
• Free study medication
• Free doctor visits from a team of highly skilled doctors and clinicians
• Transportation can be provided if needed.

 What are my commitments as a parent?

• Keep regular appointments with doctors throughout the study- visits for 6 months (visits are weekly for the first 2 weeks, bi-weekly from week 2 through week 8, then monthly for the remaining 16 weeks).
• Give your child daily doses of study medication.

To be eligible to participate, physically healthy youth ages 10-17 must agree to participate in the study and must meet the following criteria:

• Recommended treatment with a newer antipsychotic to improve the symptoms of a serious mental illness (including psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders and conduct disorders).
• Just beginning treatment (2 weeks or less) with any of the newer antipsychotics known as “second generation antipsychotics” and including risperidone (Risperdal), olanzapine (Zyprexa or Zydis), quetiapine (Seroquel), or aripiprazole (Abilify).

The study involves visits to the clinic for the duration of the study.  Participants may be treated as inpatients or outpatients throughout the course of the study.  Participants will receive a psychiatric evaluation, physical exam, lab work, ECG, medication treatment, and psychiatric care. All visits will take place within the General Clinical Research Center at UNC Hospital .

Participation in research studies is voluntary.  If at any time you feel your child’s contribution makes you uncomfortable or is too much of a burden, let us know.  We are glad to work with your family to discuss your options.

The goal of the ASPIRE Research team is to enhance the care and well-being of children and adolescents with psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.  We strive to conduct rigorous, well designed studies while treating children and families with the highest levels of respect and concern.

If you think that your child might be eligible for this study or would like more information, please call the ASPIRE research hotline at 1-800-708-0048.