WANTED: Participants for research study

[ewillers]

Study Synopsis: Paranoia, stress and acute cortisol response.

The aim of this project is to investigate whether previous exposure to stress changes people?s response to acute stress and any other reactions for example paranoia. Research using participants from the general population have been shown to mirror what we would find in patients with psychosis. So, the information we receive from you may help us better understand the processes which are involved in developing mental health problems.

We are looking for participants aged 18+ who do NOT have a history of mental health problems. We are particularly interested in recruiting long-term cannabis users but this is not an essential requirement in order to participate. If you choose to participate, you will be invited to complete a battery of questionnaires. These questionnaires will ask about your early childhood experiences, recent adverse events, your beliefs about yourself and the world, about your mood and about anxiety and paranoia. Furthermore, we will ask you about your use of illicit drugs as well as ?legal highs?. The questionnaires will be completed in private and are coded only with a number so your responses will be anonymous. We will take 12ml of blood for DNA and cortisol levels. Your participation will last for no more than 1 hour and we will reimburse you for your travel expenses and time.

If you do not feel comfortable about answering some of the questions then you can leave those ones blank. You may also withdraw at any time.

The questionnaires cover sensitive issues and therefore it is possible that you may feel upset or distressed. All participants will be provided with a list of organisations to obtain support and advice from regarding issues that may arise in this study and can discuss this further with the principal investigator of the project.

If you are interested in participating or would like further information, please send me an email and I will provide you with a full information sheet and answer any questions that you have. [email protected]

Thank you,

Elizabeth,

Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience

King's College London