Research Studies

The Child and Adolescent NeuroDevelopment Initiative is currently involved in clinical research in early-onset bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. The research team is led by Dr. Jean A. Frazier and is supported by a group of professionals including child psychiatrists, advanced practice nurses, neuropsychologists, statisticians, research coordinators, and interested volunteers. This research program is part of the Child and Adolescent Division of the Department of Psychiatry at University of Massachusetts Medical School and attracts individuals from throughout New England, and several of our collaborations are national and international in scope. This program is unique in that it provides state of the art medical care, which can be difficult to access within a managed healthcare system. All of our studies are free of cost, including all tests and medications in the treatment studies.

Please contact us to speak with a research coordinator about any of the studies or with any questions you may have. You can also download an Excel summary chart of CANDI's research studies.

As a prospective participant, you may also be interested in publications from the National Institute of Mental Health, in particular Neuroimaging and Mental Illness: A Window Into the Brain and the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's Children and Clinical Studies web site.

Autism spectrum disorders

• Customized Employment Training Program for adolescents with Asperger's diagnosis.
• Emotional processing in boys with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• The safety of an investigational drug for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
• The safety of an investigational drug for Fragile X Syndrome.
• Investigational Drug Study for Adolescents and Adults with Fragile X Syndrome.

Bipolar disorder or suspected bipolar disorder

• The biology leading to bipolar disorder in girls. We are also enrolling typically developing girls in this study.
• The effect of vitamin D on children and adolescents with mood disorders.

Other Studies

Please also see the list of research studies at the Shriver Center in Waltham.

Investing in the future...helping kids and families.