* The Center of Prevention & Evaluation (COPE) is a clinical research program based at Columbia University Department of Psychiatry/ New York State Psychiatric Institute. Our program seeks to identify and work with young people who are at elevated risk for psychosis, as compared with peers.
Increased risk may be related to genetic risk (having a family member who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder) and/or having symptoms, such as changes in perception, unusual thoughts, odd behavior, and social withdrawal. Other symptoms may include: loss of interest or lack of motivation, trouble thinking clearly, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, less concern with appearance or clothes, feeling suspicious of others, or feeling like things are unreal. COPE offers free clinical services for up to 2 years for individuals who are eligible for and participate in the research program. The research component largely consists of interviews, questionnaires,
and cognitive tests. Participants are compensated for their time and reimbursed for travel expenses. The clinical services that COPE offers include the following:

o Clinical evaluation and consultation
o Individual psychotherapy
o Support and social groups
o Family support and education
o Medication evaluation and treatment to reduce symptoms

The COPE program is affiliated with Columbia University Medical Center and is located in upper Manhattan.
If you have any questions or to schedule a consultation, please call us at (212) 543-5874 and/or visit http://cumc.columbia.edu/dept/pi/research/clinics/pc.html

* NIMH: Chronic Mood Problems in Children and Adolescents - The National Institute of Mental Health National Institutes of Health, Department of Health & Human Services (NIMH) is offering a treatment study of severe mood or behavioral problems in children and adolescents. All participants receive clinical and psychological assessments (including an inpatient assessment during which children will be withdrawn from medication), treatment with lithium, and brain imaging (no radiation). Participants may receive placebo for part of the study.

o Participants must be 7 to 17 years old with: -Chronic abnormal mood (severe anger, sadness or irritability) --"Hyper" behavior (easily distracted, physically active, trouble sleeping, fast thoughts/speech) -Trouble handling frustration (severe temper tantrums and rages)
o Problems must be present for at least one year and have started before age 12. Evaluation and participation provided are free of charge. Travel expenses are paid. For more information, call 301-496-5645 (TTY: 1-866-411-1010)

* NIMH Funded Genetic Study of Anorexia - Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have been chosen to lead the first ever, government-funded genetic study of Anorexia Nervosa. The international, multi-site collaboration is looking for 400 families that are eligible to participate in the research study. The purpose of the study is to find regions of the human genome that contain genes that influence the risk for anorexia. If there are 2 or more people in your family who have or have had anorexia, call 1-888-895-3886 or visit www.angenetics.org.