Developing Brain, Impulsivity and Compulsivity

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH (NIMH) · Nov 14, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Developing Brain, Impulsivity and Compulsivity," is focused on understanding why some people act impulsively or compulsively while others do not. Researchers aim to explore how differences in the brain and genetics might explain these behaviors in individuals aged 6 to 80. The study is open to a wide range of participants, but anyone with significant cognitive difficulties, brain abnormalities, or certain medical conditions may not be eligible.

Participants will undergo various assessments, including surveys about their behavior, memory, and attention tests, and may provide blood or saliva samples for genetic analysis. They will also have brain scans using MRI and magnetoencephalography, which will help researchers see how their brains work. For those under 25, there may be follow-up visits every 1-2 years, while participants over 25 will be involved for less than a month. This study seeks to shed light on the development of impulsivity and compulsivity, potentially leading to better understanding and treatment options for related mental health conditions.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
• • 1. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study.
• • 2. Male or female, 6 years of age and under 80 years of age.
• • 3. Ability of participant to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
• • 1. Cognitively not capable of performing study procedures or lack of capacity to provide informed consent. Indications of a lack of cognitive capacity could include a known full-scale IQ under 70, or a history from the screening interview that implies global intellectual disabilities (e.g., placement in a school for children with intellectual disability etc.)
• • 2. Very premature birth (i.e., birth before 32 weeks of gestational age).
• • 3. Any known brain abnormalities (e.g., tumor, periventricular leukomalacia, microcephaly) or history of medical conditions known to affect cerebral anatomy (e.g., epilepsy, history of stroke, head injury with a loss of consciousness of one hour or more).
• • 4. Psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia, psychosis not otherwise specified).
• • 5. Dementia, or other conditions that, in the opinion of the investigators, would impede compliance or possibly hinder completion of the study.
• • 6. Pregnant women.
• • 7. Per NIMH Policy, NIMH employees, staff and their immediate family members will be excluded from the study due to ethical concerns about confidentiality and conflict of interest.
• Additional exclusion criteria for optional MRI procedure:
• • 1. Individuals who are not able to receive an MRI (e.g., metal bioimplants, claustrophobia, inability to lie flat on their backs, pregnant women, and any other contraindications for MRI scanning according to the NMR Center MRI safety guidelines).