https://pittplusme.org/study/1568
Brain Regulation of Emotions and Thoughts – Healthy Children Ages 10-15 Needed!
STUDY BASICS
Are you the parent of a child aged 10-15 who is emotionally and physically healthy? If so, your child may be eligible to participate in a research study to help learn more about how children process emotions and thoughts. Participation involves completing at least two fMRI scans and questionnaires about mood and behaviors. Compensation provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
Children who have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder are at an increased risk of developing a mental illness themselves. The purpose of this study is to better understand how children with and without a family history of bipolar disorder process emotions and thoughts. Researchers hope their findings will lead to better ways to identify and prevent bipolar disorder in at-risk youth.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?
- Ages 10-15
- Emotionally and physically healthy
- Right-handed
- Willing and able to undergo fMRI scanning
- Has never been diagnosed or treated for mood problems, anxiety, or ADHD
- Do not have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
Participation involves an initial 1-2 hour assessment visit, followed by two fMRI visits that will last 2-3 hours each. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scan is an imaging technique for measuring brain function. An fMRI scan is non-invasive and does not involve radiation. Children will also complete questionnaires about his/her mood and behaviors.
IRB: STUDY19100162A
- Brain Regulation of Emotion and Thoughts
MEET THE RESEARCHER
Danella Hafeman
Danella M. Hafeman, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Hafeman’s research focuses on youth with and at-risk for bipolar disorder. She is interested in understanding clinical and neural mechanisms of risk and resilience, with the goal of eventually preventing mood disorders in these youth. Clinically, she works as a child psychiatrist in the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Services clinic, where she evaluates and treats youth with and at-risk for bipolar disorder.
MEET THE COORDINATOR
Jamie Feldman
Jamie A. Feldman, BA, is the Research Coordinator for Dr. Hafeman’s studies at the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Services clinic. She received her BA in Psychology from Dickinson College. She has a background in clinical psychology as well as experience working with children and families across multiple settings.