Paid Participants Wanted for Research

[KCL Research]

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 18-35 who do NOT have a history of mental health problems. 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. You will then be asked to take part in a public speaking task. We will take 2ml (less than half a teaspoon) of blood at 6 different time points by inserting a cannula into your vein. We will analyse the blood for DNA (45ml - 7 teaspoons) and cortisol levels. Your participation will last for no more than 3 hours and we reimburse ?30 for your 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 the issues raised in this study and can discuss this further with the supervisor of the project.

If you are interested in participating or would like further information, please send me a message with your email address and I will provide you with a full information sheet and answer any questions that you may have.

Thank you,

Natalia,

Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London