Schizophrenia

People age 18 and older who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder are invited to participate in research studies at the University of Iowa Department of Psychiatry. The studies aim to evaluate treatments and/or medications that may eventually help people who have schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The ongoing studies include these areas: antipsychotic medication; weight gain and wellness; medications tha may improve thinking and memory; and non-medication treatment of auditory hallucinations. There are no charges for any of the study procedures or medications, and compensation is available for participants' time and travel expenses. In studies involving medications, participants may receive a placebo (inactive substance) rather than the study medication(s).

• LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Del Miller, M.D.
• CONTACTS: Call UI Health Access toll-free at 800-777-8442 or contact Jane Kerr, 319-353-4955 or jane-kerr@uiowa.edu; or Tim Holman, 319-335-6769 or timothy-holman@uiowa.edu

Overactive bladder problems

Men age 40 and older with overactive bladder problems are invited to participate in a University of Iowa research study of medications to treat symptoms. The study will compare the safety and effectiveness of the investigational combination of two FDA-approved medications to use of placebo (inactive substance) in reducing symptoms. Overactive bladder symptoms include taking more than eight trips to the bathroom in one day, strong and sudden urges to urinate, and/or the inability to hold urine until getting to the toilet. Men with a history of interstitial cystitis or prostate cancer are not eligible to participate. Participants will randomly be assigned to take one of the two study medications, both medications, or a placebo. The study medication(s) and any urine and ultrasound tests will be provided at no cost. Compensation for clinic visits and parking is available.

• LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Karl Kreder, M.D.
• CONTACTS: Diane Meyerholz, 319-384-5769 or diane-meyerholz@uiowa.edu; or Mary Eno, 319-384-9265 or mary-eno@uiowa.edu

Gambling problems

Some form of legalized gambling now exists in every state except Hawaii and Utah. Most adults gamble responsibly, but with this proliferation, more people are developing pathological gambling-gambling that is out of control and leads to personal distress and/or marital, legal, and financial difficulties. Individuals with this problem are invited to participate in a University of Iowa Health Care treatment study. The study will examine the effectiveness of the drug bupropion in treating pathological gambling. Some participants may receive a placebo (inactive medication). Participants must be age 18 or older and cannot be depressed or abusing alcohol or drugs. Study participation involves a total of nine visits to the UI over three months. Compensation will be provided.

• LEAD INVESTIGATOR: Donald Black, M.D.
• CONTACTS: Martha Shaw, 319-353-3904 or martha-shaw@uiowa.edu