• Current Studies
  
  
• Recent Student Masters Theses
  
  
• Recent Student Dissertations

Graduated Recovery Intervention for Early Schizophrenia
PI:David Penn, Ph.D.; Co-I: Diana Perkins, M.D., Kim Mueser, Ph.D., Robert Hamer, Ph.D.
Funded by: NIMH

This treatment development grant will support the development of a psychosocial intervention for first episode schizophrenia and is comprised of three parts: manual development, open trial, and randomized controlled trial.

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Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) for Schizophrenia
PI: David Penn, Ph.D., Co-I: Dennis Combs, Ph.D.
Funded by: NIMH

This treatment development grant is Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) program, a new intervention developed for individuals with schizophrenia.

Click here to learn more about SCIT

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Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) for High Functioning Autism (HFA)
PI: David Penn, Ph.D.; Co-PIs: Lauren Turner, Ph.D., and Gabriel Dichter, Ph.D.
Funded by: Autism Speaks

This treatment development grant seeks to modify SCIT for adolescents with HFA.

Click here to learn more about SCIT-A

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NAPLS: Predictors and Mechanisms of Conversion to Psychosis
PI: Diana Perkins, M.D.; Co-PI: David Penn, PhD
Funded by: NIMH

The purpose of this study is to increase our ability to identify patients at clinical high-risk for the development of a psychotic disorder and to investigate neurobiological changes that underlie the emergence of a psychotic disorder.  

Click here to learn more about NAPLS

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A Pilot Study of Loving Kindness Meditation for Individuals with Schizophrenia with Negative Symptoms
PI: David Penn, Ph.D., Co-I: Barbara Frederickson, Ph.D., and Ann Kring, Ph.D.
Unfunded pilot study

This pilot study will examine the feasibility and potential clinical benefits of a 6-week loving kindness workshop on mood, negative symptoms and well-being in individuals with schizophrenia with negative symptoms.

Click here to learn more about the LKM

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Oxytocin Treatment of Social Deficits and Paranoia in Schizophrenia
PI: Cort Pedersen, M.D. Co-I: Kayvon Salimi, M.D., David Penn, Ph.D., John Gilmore, M.D., and Robert Hamer, Ph.D.
Unfunded pilot study

The purpose of this pilot study is to examine whether intranasal administration of the neuropeptide Oxytocin twice daily for a 4-week period can improve social functioning (and social cognition) and decrease paranoia in individuals with schizophrenia.

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Positive Living:  A Pilot Study of Group Positive Psychotherapy for People with Schizophrenia
PI: David Penn, Ph.D., Co-I: Piper S. Meyer, Ph.D.
Unfunded pilot study

This pilot study will examine the feasibility and potential clinical benefits of a 10-week group focused on increasing positive emotions for individuals with schizophrenia.

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Recovery After an Initital Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE)
PI: John Kane, M.D., UNC Site PI: David Penn, Ph.D.
Funded by: NIMH

RAISE is a multi-site randomized clinical trial, funded by National Institute of Mental Health, to evaluate the benefits of two years of a comprehensive pharmacological and psychosocial treatment package (the RAISE Enhanced Treatment Program) for individuals  with first episode psychosis compared to usual community mental health treatment (community care).

Click here to see recent student dissertations

Click here to see recent student masters theses

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