What is the Aftercare Research Program?
The Aftercare Research Program at the UCLA NPI&H is an outpatient research clinic that provides free treatment and assessments for patients who are participating in clinical research designed to improve our understanding of psychotic disorders and to develop more effective treatments. The current project focuses on patients who have recently had a first episode of psychotic symptoms. What is involved?
Participants in the study receive an initial diagnostic interview to determine eligibility and receive treatment at the UCLA NPI&H Aftercare Research Program, which includes individual case management, group therapy, and the antipsychotic medication risperidone, free of charge for about one year. Patients' family members will be invited to join family psychoeducational meetings. An initial period on risperidone is a requirement of this study, so a change of medication may be needed.Who directs the study?
Keith H. Nuechterlein, Ph.D., Professor, UCLA Department of Psychiatry, is the Director of the UCLA Aftercare Research Program. Who to contact?
If you are interested in obtaining more information and/or in referring someone for possible participation, contact
Rosemary Collier, M.S., e-mail: rcollier@mednet.ucla.edu,
Nicole DeTore, M.S.,
e-mail: nrdetore@mednet.ucla.edu or
Luana Turner, Psy.D.,
e-mail: luana@ucla.edu.
You can also call us at (310) 206-3142.

The Cognition and Work Outcome Study
Patients in the Aftercare Research Program will also participate in a study that will examine whether we can improve our treatments that aim to get young adult patients who have recently developed a psychotic disorder back to work or school in order to prevent the onset of chronic disability. After stabilization on oral risperidone, the patients will be randomized to treatment with either oral risperidone or injectable risperidone (Risperdal Consta). In addition, all patients will be randomized to either cognitive enhancement treatment using specialized computer software programs, or to a treatment intended to enhance quality of life through healthy lifestyle changes (improved nutrition, exercise, and stress management). All patients will receive case management and individualized placement and support services to help them return to work (or school). We are currently enrolling participants. Each patient will be followed for approximately 1½ years. Keith Nuechterlein, Ph.D., the Director of the Aftercare Research Program is the Principal Investigator for this study.

More Background Information
Dr. Nuechterlein presented an overview of the last 20 years of research conducted at the UCLA Aftercare Research Program at the NPI Grand Rounds on November 1, 2005. That talk is available on line at http://www.mentalhealth.ucla.edu/opce/gr.html.