Diamond Brain Imaging Study

STUDY BASICS

Are you experiencing emotional distress and are between the ages of 18-25? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about the brains of people who are experiencing severe emotional distress. This study involves a clinical evaluation, questionnaires, and performing computer tasks during an fMRI scan. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

About 1 in 5 young people seek treatment for emotional distress, but only some of these people go on to develop serious mental health problems. The purpose of this study is to help researchers learn how the brain functions in young people who are experiencing severe emotional distress. Researchers hope their findings will help predict which people are more at risk for developing serious mental health problems, and they hope to be able to develop better treatments for people with mental health problems.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 18-25
• Right-handed
• Currently experiencing an episode of emotional distress (e.g., sadness, hopelessness, extreme anxiety, restlessness, loss of interest in most activities, sleep and concentration problems, changes in appetite or energy, being more reckless/impulsive than usual)
• No alcohol abuse or illegal substance use
• Willing and able to have fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan (no metal in the body and not claustrophobic)
• Not pregnant

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

This study involves up to four visits. The initial 3-4 hour screening visit includes a full psychiatric evaluation, questionnaires, assessments, and medical history. Eligible participants will be scheduled for the fMRI scan visit. The scan visit includes urine and saliva tests to rule out alcohol and illegal drug use. An fMRI scan is an imaging technique for measuring brain function. fMRI is non-invasive and does not involve radiation. There is an optional genetic study blood draw. Participants will also be re-interviewed about functioning and health at six months and one year follow-up visits.