Patient Services and Clinical Trial Participation
California Neuropsychopharmacology Clinical Research Institute (CNRI) and its affiliates in San Diego and the Los Angeles area conduct Phase I through Phase IV inpatient and outpatient clinical trials. We are committed to providing you with a safe, confidential, informative, and pleasant research experience.
CNRI has successfully conducted over 300 clinical trials since 1991, most of which have been inpatient/outpatient studies for people diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, or major depression. Other studies have involved other psychiatric conditions or physical conditions.
We have ongoing research studies in many different therapeutic areas. Our areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
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- Agitation
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Bipolar affective disorder (manic-depression)
- Depression
- Diabetes mellitus
- Fibromyalgia
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn)
- Headaches
- Healthy volunteers
- Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Insomnia/sleep disorders
- Mood disorders
- Movement disorders
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- Migraine headaches
- Obesity
- Overactive bladder
- Pain syndromes
- Panic disorders
- Parkinson’s disease
- Premenstrual or postmenopausal syndromes
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Sleep apnea
- Smoking cessation
- Substance or alcohol abuse/dependence
- Vaccines
- Women’s health
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Study Availability
At any given time, we will have studies for some, but not all, of the above conditions. If you call about a particular condition and we are not recruiting for a study for it at that time, we may ask if we can obtain some basic information from you so that we can list you in our database as being interested in a future study.
CNRI is committed to assisting you with your clinical research needs. When you first contact our center, you will be directed to our of our recruitment specialists. This person will request your permission to ask you some basic questions about your past medical and/or psychiatric history so that we can understand your needs.
After we get some basic information, we may recommend a consultation with one of our psychiatrists or internal medicine physicians for assessment and treatment recommendations. Recommendations may include information about current treatments that are available, discussion about participation in a clinical trial, and/or referrals to other possible resources.
For more information, and to speak with a recruitment specialist, contact us at:
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Frequently asked questions
I have heard people talking about “clinical trials” or “studies.” What does this mean?
A clinical trial is a research study that uses human volunteers. Each study is designed to answer specific questions. Volunteers for clinical studies are an important part of medical research.
Why would I want to be in a clinical trial?
Different people have different reasons. You may want to help others by contributing to medical research. You may hope to gain access to new treatments before they are widely available. Your physician may suggest a clinical trial. You may not be doing well on a current treatment, and may be hoping to find other options. You may want to avoid reports to your insurance company or employer. Sometimes people have a combination of these different reasons.
Can anyone participate?
No. Each study has guidelines about who can participate. This helps find a study that might be right for you.
Do I get paid for participating?
Yes. We compensate you for your time and travel.
I don’t have insurance, and I can’t afford to pay for medications. Can I still do a clinical trial?
Yes. One of the benefits of clinical trials with CNRI is that you are never charged for study-related medical exams, medications, tests, hospital days, or other study procedures.
Are there risks associated with being in a clinical trial?
While studies are generally designed to minimize risk, they are not risk-free. Study information and any potential risks will be reviewed with you in detail during the informed consent process. The experimental treatment might not be effective for you. In some studies, you might have a chance of receiving a placebo (an inactive pill that will not help you.) In all studies, we will monitor your safety throughout the study with visits, labs, and other assessments directed by the protocol.
How confidential is my information?
All clinical studies in the U.S. are monitored and/or audited by the sponsor (usually a pharmaceutical company), as well as by contract organizations of that company and the Food and Drug Administration. All of these agencies will have access to review your personal health information obtained and collected for study entry and generated during the study. CNRI employees, physicians, and contractors will also have access to your personal health information. Your personal health information will not be shared with people or agencies that are not involved in the conduct, monitoring, or auditing of the study. For instance, we won’t share this information with Social Security, your private doctor, or your private insurance company, unless you request it in writing.
How do I get started with CNRI?
Call our office and ask to speak to one of our recruitment specialists, who will ask you about ten minutes worth of questions. These involve your mental and physical health, drug and alcohol use, treatment history, symptoms, and current medications.
In most cases, the recruiter will work with you to obtain some of your past medical records to verify your eligibility for clinical trials, other treatment options, and referrals. We may suggest a consultation at our clinic for evaluation and to discuss treatment options.
What happens at a consultation?
You may see a psychiatrist or internist at no charge. The doctor might order clinical labs or tests, in which case your insurance (if any) would be billed. After records and test results are reviewed, we will go over clinical trial and/or additional treatment options with you.
Options might include consideration for a clinical study, continuing care from one of our doctors in a private practice environment, or referrals to other agencies or services. At CNRI, your well-being is our first concern.
What kinds of questions should I ask if I am thinking about enrolling in a study?
Once your records have been reviewed and/or you have had a consultation at CNRI, we may discuss a particular clinical trial with you. When you come in for a screening visit, you will sign a consent form. At that time, you will want to make sure that you ask any questions that you have. You will want to make sure you understand the following: how long the study is, how many visits there are, what medications will be involved, possible risks and benefits, alternatives to being in the study, and any other questions you have.
What if I have questions during a study?
You will also have the opportunity to ask questions as the clinical trial progresses. CNRI will always provide you with a copy of your consent form that you can refer back to. If you lose it at any time during the study, we are always happy to provide you with an extra copy. Your study coordinator will work closely with you to keep you informed.
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