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Clinical
Research Unit at Dorothea
Dix Hospital
Current Studies
The Clinical Research Unit (CRU), located in the Edgerton Building of Dorothea Dix Hospital serves as a 16-bed inpatient and outpatient psychiatric research facility. Established in 1975, the CRU is affiliated with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Psychiatry. This research is carried out by a multidisciplinary team of professional staff and is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, foundations, pharmaceutical industry and private philanthropy.
The Clinical Research Unit focuses on the treatment of adult men and women diagnosed with schizophrenia, and other related disorders. Certain studies are designed to treat different phases and levels of illness, including those with new onset of disease, people with chronic illness, and those searching for changes in current treatments.
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Clinical Research Unit
Building |
All research activities are reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine to ensure the safety of each study protocol. Study participation is strictly voluntary, and a patient may withdraw at any time. Informed written consent shall be obtained from every study candidate who participates in a research project. In some studies, if a candidate is interested in participating and has a legal guardian, the legal guardian may sign consent.
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| Patricia and Teresa demonstrate the centrifuge |
Inpatient and Outpatient treatment is available. Participation is based, in part, on a patient’s clinical needs, and on the particular entry criteria of a given study. Each patient will receive an assessment to determine if they qualify for study participation, including a physical exam and diagnostic procedures. In most cases treatment is provided free of charge in the outpatient and inpatient setting. Specific studies may offer a limited financial incentive to reimburse for the time and effort spent participating, and transportation for outpatient visits.
The Clinical Research Unit is the only treatment program in North Carolina that provides inpatient and outpatient research opportunities along with expert psychiatric assessment and treatment for patients with schizophrenia. Our staff provide a safe and caring environment based on the individual needs of each patient and their families. We emphasize education regarding understanding mental illness, medications, treatment options, and optimal discharge planning.
Our mission is to provide the highest level of care while also advancing knowledge and understanding so as to improve the quality of life for each individual, family member and loved one who are affected by mental illness.
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| The gazebo where one can meet visitors and family |
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| Clinical Research Unit's recreation room |
For information about the studies at the Clinical Research Unit, please contact McLean Kram or Kelly Moore at 919-733-5227.
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