David Penn, Ph.D.
Professor and Associate Director of Clinical Psychology

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UNC-CH
Department of Psychology
250 Davie Hall
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3270

Phone: 919-843-7514
Fax: 919--962-2537
e-mail: dpenn@email.unc.edu

RESEARCH

 

CURRENT STUDIES

Social Cognition and Functioning (SCAF)
PI:Michael Green, Ph.D.; Site PI: David Penn, Ph.D.
Funded by: NIH

The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which selected measures from social neuroscience are suitable for use in clinical trials of schizophrenia. We are investigating whether these measures can account for unexplained variance in functioning and and wish to better understand the ways in which social cognition acts as a mediator between basic (non-social) cognition and functioning in schizophrenia.

Click here to learn more about SCAF

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Computer-Based CBT for Schizophrenia (CBT)
PI: David Penn, Ph.D.; Co-PI: Jennifer Gottlieb, Ph.D.
Funded by: NC Foundation of Hope

This treatment study will evaluate and test the development of the use of a computerized, self-guided CBTp intervention to provide a no-cost treatment program for auditory hallucinations. This study will be an open trial to demonstrate the feasibility, acceptability, safety, and the program’s impact on severity/distress of auditory hallucinations.

Click here to learn more about Internet CBT

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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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Oxytocin Treatment of Social Deficits and Paranoia in Schizophrenia
PI: Cort Pedersen, M.D., David Penn, Ph.D.
Co-I: Robert Hamer, Ph.D., Shane Rau, M.D., Ph.D., Fred Jarskog, M.D.
Funded by: NIMH

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of 12 weeks of twice daily intranasal administration of Oxytocin versus placebo on difficulties in social relationships, social functioning, and other psychotic symptoms.

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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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