We are gathering medical information, behavioral assessments, cells and genetic material (DNA), as well as blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and brain images from people who appear to have a psychiatric disorder and those who do not. This project is being done in order to understand the brain changes over time in people who develop these symptoms as compared to those who do not. We would like to try to identify biomarkers for these changes. Additionally, identifying biomarkers for these diseases may help us learn how to predict future mental illness based on early syndromes or - by analyzing your genetic material - based on linking specific genes to a particular behavior and/or pattern of brain function.

Part of this study will involve obtaining a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. A small amount of CSF can be withdrawn by a thin needle from the lower or lumbar part of the back, which is called a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. The blood and CSF collected for this study will be tested to try to identify biomarkers (substances in blood and spinal fluid that are associated with a disease or condition and may help predict if you have the condition), and stored for potential future tests. Urine will be collected to confirm that you are not pregnant (if you are female) so that brain imaging can be done safely and to test for drugs (such as marijuana) which can affect some of the assessments of this study.

Researchers will also study the CSF, blood, and DNA to measure levels of a variety of different biological markers and genes that are known to be associated with mental health conditions like psychosis, in order to better understand what is different in people who respond to treatment compared to those who do not respond. By studying the differences in the biological samples in people who respond to treatment compared to those who don’t improve, we may also be able to better understand and predict which treatment is the best way to treat patients in the future. Researchers can also use the outcome of these studies to help shape and design better treatment and therapies for young people who develop mental health conditions in the future.