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What we do

What is PRIME?

PRIME stands for Prevention through Risk Identification, Management and Education. We are a group of providers dedicated to better understanding the subtle changes in the way a person may think, feel and perceive things, known as basic symptoms. The PRIME Research Clinic is located at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Department of Psychiatry. The clinic has been established to better understand the causes, course, and treatment of these basic symptoms.

What are the aims of the PRIME Research Clinic?

The PRIME clinic provides education, treatment and support for people between the ages of 14-35 experiencing basic symptoms. We focus on helping people better understand what may be happening and how to best cope with or manage any basic symptoms they may be experiencing. If the symptoms progress to a more serious condition, we can identify, diagnose and treat as early as possible to ensure the best possible recovery. The earlier any medical condition is identified and treated the faster and more complete the recovery.

What does the PRIME Research Clinic do?

The PRIME Research Clinic offers opportunities to participate in research projects designed to better understand basic symptoms. These studies range from simply monitoring the basic symptoms over time to assess for changes, to using paper and pencil tests to assess concentration, memory and attention over time, to participating in MRI studies to look at images (like an x-ray) of the structure and functioning of the brain.

This information will be used to help us better understand, monitor and perhaps even treat these basic symptoms. While participants may not directly benefit from research participation we do offer monetary compensation for time and transportation and transportation to and from appointments if needed. If you would like to know more about our ongoing research projects please contact us at 1-877-PRIME19 or 843-7746.

Active Research Studies Download our brochure here: PRIME Research Clinic Brochure (.pdf)

PREDICT Ages 14-30. The PREDICT study's goal is to better predict why some people with basic symptoms develop serious mental disorders while other people do not.

CONTE Ages 14-35. The CONTE  study seeks to understand the course of basic symptoms.  This study involves MRI brain imaging (where magnets are used to take pictures of the brain) and electrophysiology studies to measure brain activity.  These are safe, routine medical procedures.

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