Research

About the Study

ProNET: Psychosis-Risk Outcomes Network

ProNET is a large multisite study consisting of 26 research sites around the world including Canada, the USA, Europe, and Asia. The goal is to determine predictors and mechanisms of developing psychosis in youth and young adults aged 12-30. However, one very important aspect of ProNET is that this project aims to dissect the heterogeneity of the outcomes of youth at clinical high risk (CHR) of developing psychosis. Less than a quarter of CHR individuals do not develop a psychotic illness. Of those individuals who do not make the transition to a full-blown psychotic illness, only 43-56% experience remission of attenuated psychotic symptoms. Even when there is symptom remission, there is still evidence of poor functioning.

Thus, in ProNET we will examine the wide range of outcomes of young people who are at clinical high-risk for developing psychosis. Although less than 75% of young people who appear to be at risk do not actually develop a psychotic illness, some may still have difficulties or struggles, and it is especially important to be able to monitor and understand these difficulties so that we can offer treatments or even begin to develop new treatments to help with these problems. These problems might be that the young person is feeling depressed or anxious or it may be that they lack the motivation to accomplish their goals. At times, the young people have difficulty with their relationships or functioning in school or at work. To do this we need to monitor their symptoms over time so we can see which ones might get better on their own and which ones might need some intervention. When young people first start out in the project, we do a very thorough clinical assessment.

ProNET will have an overall sample of approximately 1000 CHR participants. This is a five-year study with participants remaining in the study for 2 years. In the first 3 months participants will receive a comprehensive clinical assessment (symptoms, functioning, substance use, neurocognition) and biomarker assessments (MRI, EEG, and blood draws). We will then conduct shorter clinical assessments every 6 months and monthly check-ins in the first year.

This longitudinal monitoring of the clinical domains will offer utility for prospective stratification into more homogeneous risk subtypes and long-term clinical outcomes, with the aim of being able to offer specific treatments and to develop new treatments.

For more information about getting involved in this study, please call us at 403-210-8740 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it