Current Research Studies
UMass Mind aims to develop new intervention strategies to promote whole person health. The following studies are open for patient enrollment. Most of the study visits are conducted at 26 Queen Street, Worcester. Patients will be compensated for their research participation. For patient referral or more information about our current studies, please contact us at
Phone: 508-856-Mind(6463)
Email: Mind@umassmed.edu
Metabolic Benefits of Adjunctive Lumateperone Treatment in Clozapine-treated Patients with Schizophrenia
The purpose of this investigator-initiated, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study is to determine whether adjunctive lumateperone (Caplyta®) might improve metabolic health in clozapine-treated individuals with schizophrenia. Lumateperone is an FDA-approved medication for adults with schizophrenia. Patients will receive lumateperone or placebo for 12 weeks and meet with the study team approximately 8 times. A variety of metabolic outcomes will be measured, including body fat distribution using a body composition analyzer and lipid particle size using NMR spectroscopy. For a brochure of the study, please click here.
IRB Docket # STUDY0001339
Evaluating Clinical Effectiveness of an Investigational Digital Therapeutic App in Patients with Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness, engagement, health-care resource utilization, and safety of an investigational digital therapeutic app in patients 18 years or older diagnosed with schizophrenia. The app is an interactive app-based psychosocial intervention designed to treat negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia in addition to their current standard of care medications. Participants will utilize the app daily for a course of 16 weeks with the option to receive a second 16-week course of app intervention. Participants will meet with the study staff in person once every 8 weeks over the course of 52 weeks. For a brochure of the study, please click here.
IRB Docket # STUDY0002314
A Prospective Multi-center Study to Characterize the Natural History of Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) and Investigate the Real-world Effectiveness of Deutetrabenazine on the Multi-dimensional Impact of TD
The purpose of this study is to observe the real-world course of TD and evaluate the effectiveness of deutetrabenazine (AUSTEDO®), an FDA-approved medication, on TD. This is an observational study, meaning that if the medication is prescribed, it will be by the patient’s regular healthcare provider as part of their routine clinical treatment. Patients who experience at least mild TD symptoms, whether or not already on medication treatment for TD, are eligible for the study. Patients will meet with the study staff every 1-3 months over the course of 3 years. The study visits can be in-person or remote. For a brochure of the study, please click here.
IRB Docket # STUDY0001020
Community-Based Gardening Program for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
UMass Mind is running a community-based gardening intervention program for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). The program is designed to empower individuals with SMI through gardening education and skill-building, which will consist of one module a week over approximately 6 weeks. Each module will include and interactive educational component and a hands-on gardening component, where participants will build their gardening skills and learn about the physical and mental health benefits of gardening. A variety of psychiatric outcomes will be measured, including quality of life and satisfaction, connectedness to nature, and self-efficacy using questionnaires. Salivary cortisol will also be collected to measure participants' stress levels. The program is open to individuals with SMI or community facilities that serve this patient population, such as local group homes and day programs. For a brochure of the study, please click here.
IRB Docket # STUDY0002487
Weighing the Cardiometabolic Risks in Patients with Serious Mental Illness: A Community Screening and Education Program
UMass Mind is offering an in-person screening and education program aimed at identifying cardiometabolic health risks in individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) using point-of-care devices. The program's objective is to enhance health literacy in this population, increase their awareness of health conditions, and empower them to make informed decisions about their cardiometabolic health. The program impact will be assessed by changes in participants' health knowledge and attitudes. The program is open to individuals with SMI or facilities that serve this patient population, such as outpatient clinics, day programs, and group homes. To learn more about the program, please click here.
IRB Docket # STUDY0002557
Device-Assisted Exercise Intervention and Lifestyle Changes in Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
UMass Mind is running an in-person device-assoisted exercise program that combines education modules teaching healthy living and the benefits of exercise with in person walking sessions. The length of the program is 8 weeks. Each participant will be provided a fitbit for the duration of the study monitoring there energy expendature and step count. The purpose is to evaluate an innovative way to improve health, attitudes, and behaviors in those with serious mental illness (SMI) including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. The program is open to individuals with SMI or community facilities that serve this patient population, such as local group homes and day programs. To learn more about the program, please check out our flyer.
IRB Docket # STUDY00001384
Evaluating a Healthy Living Nutrition Program for Patients with Serious Mental Illness
UMass Mind is running an in-person nutrition program that combines education modules teaching healthy living and mindful eating with hands-on cooking sessions. The length of the program is flexible and lasts 4-8 weeks. The purpose is to evaluate an innovative way to improve healthy eating knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in those with serious mental illness (SMI) including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. The program is open to individuals with SMI or community facilities that serve this patient population, such as local group homes and day programs. To learn more about the program, please check out our video.
IRB Docket # STUDY00000638