Both participants suffering from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and controls were asked to actively participate in the GPC. In addition to completing study instruments and donating blood, all participants were asked for consent to release of medical records. Most GPC participants have given long-term prospective access to their medical records (>20 years). As the electronic health record (EHR) becomes more widely used, we are implementing a parallel research record that, with permission, regularly queries the GPC participant’s electronic health records to maintain close prospective follow-up of health and treatment course. Further, to optimize our ability to prospectively follow our GPC participants, 88% can be re-contacted and invited to participate in further studies.
