Projects
Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank (ASRB)
The Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre in partnership with the Schizophrenia Research Institute and other Australian research organizations are developing the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank (ASRB). A National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Enabling Grant, the Rotary Foundation of Australia and Perpetual Trustees have provided funding for this national initiative. The generous support of the Pratt Foundation has enabled a Victorian arm of the ASRB which the Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre is coordinating.
About the ASRB
The ASRB is is the biggest research program of its type ever undertaken in Australia. The five year task of the ASRB is to recruit 2000 people with schizophrenia and 2000 people without schizophrenia from all across Australia. Their medical histories, genetic profiles and for some an MRI brain scan will be recorded so that researchers in Australia and overseas are better able to identify the origins of the illness, the means for early detection, prevention and cure.
There are three steps involved:
1. The Interview
You will be invited to attend an interview with an ASRB clinical assessor. Details of your medical history will be recorded and some simple tasks will be conducted to assess brain functions such as memory, attention and general functioning.
2. The Blood Sample
A small blood sample will be taken from which a DNA profile will be made. The profiles of all 4000 participants in the ASRB program will provide vital clues to the origins of schizophrenia.
3. The Brain Scan
You may be invited to participate in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of your brain. This interesting process takes about 30 minutes but will not be suitable for all participants.
The 4000 Australians who participate in this project will be key contributors to a research resource which may provide a unique breakthrough.
To join the ASRB please call tollfree 1800 639 295 or contact one of the Melbourne clinical assessors directly:
Toni Merritt: (03) 8345 1149 or 0434 140 231 Rebecca Wilson: (03) 8345 0596 or 0423 774 014
For further information please download the Participant Consent Document or go to the ASRB website
Ethics
Melbourne Health: MHREC 2006.061