
Search Results
Neural Bases of Disgust Conditioning in Anorexia Nervosa
We are studying the brain patterns of people who have anorexia nervosa and those who don't have anorexia nervosa. We will look at MRIs, behavioral measures, and questionnaires to see if we can identify the brain activity associated with disgust. There will be a follow-up at 6 and 12 months.
• Anorexia Nervosa Participants: females between 18- 50 years old who meet criteria for diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa
• Healthy Participants: healthy females age between 18-50, no previous diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa or other psychiatric disease.
• Meets criteria for substance abuse disorder or actively suicidal
• Neurological condition or other developmental disorder
• MRI contraindication
• Inability to read English
Multimodal profiling of response to pediatric Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics
This study identifies the bio-behavioral predictors and correlation of responses to Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention to Tics (CBIT) in young people with tic disorder.
• age 10-17 years at time of enrollment
• current chronic motor and/or vocal tics, defined as tics for at least 1 year without a tic-free period of more than 3 consecutive months. Tics must not be due to a medical condition or the direct physiological effects of a substance
• at least moderate tic severity
• full scale IQ greater than 70
• English fluency to ensure comprehension of study measures and instructions
• inability to undergo MRI (e.g., metal in body, claustrophobia, orthodontia) and/or EEG
• actively suicidal
• previous diagnosis of psychosis, cognitive disability, or structural brain disease
• history of seizure disorder
• active substance abuse or dependence
• presence of another psychiatric or medical condition requiring immediate treatment and/or for which delay of treatment to focus on tics would be clinically inappropriate. Participants will not be excluded for comorbidities that commonly occur with TS (e.g., ADHD, OCD, anxiety) provided that this criterion is met
• concurrent psychotherapy focused on tics and/or involving procedures that overlap with CBIT (e.g., habit reversal therapy, exposure therapy targeting repetitive behaviors).
• psychotropic medication changes in the past 6 weeks and/or plans to change medication during the study period through post-treatment assessment
• four or more previous sessions of CBIT
Neurofeedback and Neural Plasticity of Self-Processing and Affect Regulation Circuits in Suicide Attempting Adolescents
The purpose of this study is to examine a new, experimental treatment for adolescents at risk for suicide attempts called neurofeedback training. In neurofeedback training, you are trying to control your brain function on purpose. In this study, your child will see their brain activity (displayed like a thermometer). He/she will recall positive memories to try to change the levels of their brain activity shown on the visual thermometer inside a scanner.
• any gender identity
• 11-17 years old
• past suicide attempt and/or current suicide ideation
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Cognitive Developmental Delay (IQ < 75 i.e.intellectual disability)
• diagnosis of Schizophrenia
Creativity Camp Study
This study explores how engaging in creative activities may be helpful for mental health and wellbeing in adolescents. Study participants will attend eight sessions (over two weeks) of Creativity Camp which involves a range of different kinds of arts activities. Participants will also complete a series of questionnaires, interviews, and other assessments to assess the potential benefits of the camp. We have previously shown that Creativity Camp is effective for reducing depression symptoms and improving well-being in adolescents with depression.
• ages 12-17
• neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g. intellectual disability, severe autism)
• major medical and/or neurological illness
Prefrontal Cortical Stimulation in Severe Treatment Resistant Depression
This study looks at the use of an implanted brain stimulator for people who have treatment resistant depression. The change in brain function by EEG and symptoms of depression will be examined. This study is open to people 22-70 years old with Medicare or Medicare Advantage insurance.
• ages 22-55
• diagnosis of chronic (greater than or equal to 2 years) depression
• poor response to three or more antidepressant medications (staff will review)
• had or refused ECT therapy
• under the regular care of a psychiatrist
• enrolled in a Medicare program
• have at least two people over 22 years of age and live within 30 minutes of participants residence who could respond to study staff if needed
• able to have a MRI scan
• actively suicidal or have a history of an attempt within the last year
• have a history of another major mental health diagnosis
• have a positive drug test
• have an implanted brain device
• pregnant
• history of seizures
Remote State Representation in Early Psychosis (Rem-STEP) (Rem-STEP)
The purpose of the current study is to test the effects of two forms of cognitive training: visual perception training or visual cognitive control training in individuals with early psychosis.
• people who have Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective disorder, Psychosis, Major depressive disorder with psychotic features, or Bipolar disorder with psychotic features
• between ages 18 and 30 except: Alabama & Nebraska 19 to 30 and Mississippi 21 to 30
• able to read and speak English,
• no hospitalizations for mental health issues in the past month
• have access to a computer with internet connection
• permanent resident of the United States
• history of substance abuse in the past month
• diagnosed with a neurological disorder
• cognitive training in the past 6 months
Optimizing transcranial magnetic stimulation for stimulant use disorder
We want to learn more about your brain processes, and how a type of brain stimulation device called TMS can be used to enhance treatment for stimulant use disorder.
• age 18 or older
• able to abstain from drug and alcohol use for at least 2 weeks
• confident level of English language proficiency
• any organic brain disorder (such as traumatic brain injury, stroke)
• head injury resulting in skull fracture or loss of consciousness for 30 minutes or more
• unable to have TMS (history of seizures, metallic cranial plates/screws or implanted device)
• unable to have a MRI (unapproved metallic implants, pacemakers or any other implanted electrical device, shrapnel, metallic braces, non-removable body piercings, pregnancy, breathing or movement disorder, claustrophobia)
• any psychotic disorder (Participants with other treated and stable psychiatric disorders will be included)
• pregnancy or breastfeeding
Investigating the Effects of VNS on Central Autonomic Network and Interoception
This study is being done to find out if vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) affects how different parts of the brain interact with each other and process information. Participants must be in the REVEAL study and have a new VNS device implanted for treatment of depression. The study will last for about 19 weeks after the VNS is implanted.
• enrolled in a health insurance plan that will cover the costs associated with standard health care services and injuries
• diagnosis of chronic (at least 2 years) or 4 or more recurrent depressive episodes
• VNS therapy recommended for treatment
• has not had an adequate response to four or more adequate antidepressant treatments
• enrolled in the REVEAL CSP or REVEAL AP3 research studies
• had a prior implantable stimulation device
• currently uses or is expected during the study to use short-wave diathermy, microwave, diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy
• acutely suicidal or made a suicide attempt within the previous 6 months
• additional mental health diagnosis other than depression (study staff will review)
• not able or willing to use their dominant arm, or upper arm circumference is greater than 50 cm
• do not speak English
• women who are pregnant
Technology Assisted Treatment for Binge Eating Disorder
This research is being done to study binge eating and potential treatment strategies. An app on a sensor logging device will log eating behavior data. The device will incorporate data and refine the performance of the HabitAware sensor logging model to recognize binge eating episodes. We hope this research will help inform novel treatments for targeting binge eating behavior.
• adults between the ages of 18 and 65 years
• diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other eating disorder
• women who are pregnant or breast feeding
• history of psychosis or bipolar disorder
• substance use disorder within the past six months
• BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2
• history of acute suicidality requiring hospitalization
• food allergies
TMS x DPX
We will examine whether the benefits of brain stimulation on mental functioning can be enhanced if an individual is actively engaging the target brain networks while receiving brain stimulation. The study includes two separate sessions and people will complete either a cognitive task or a perceptual task while we are measuring the change in brain function with EEG. Please fill out the linked screening questionnaire to determine if you are eligible.
• age 18 to 65
• diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder
• potential contraindications to EEG (e.g. visible scalp abrasions, non-removable hair extensions and/or hair styling that would impede proper EEG recording)
• potential contraindication to TMS (as identified by the TMS safety screener)
• any previous adverse reaction to TMS or MRI
• diagnosed with epilepsy or previously experienced a seizure
• diagnosed with a neurological condition, such as stroke or tinnitus
• experienced a head trauma that was diagnosed as concussion
• current use of, or recent withdrawal from, medications that can increase the risk of seizure
• currently pregnant
• any metal in the head (excluding mouth) or have an implanted medical device
A Prospective, Multi-center, Randomized Controlled Blinded Trial Demonstrating the Safety and Effectiveness of VNS Therapy® System as Adjunctive Therapy Versus a No Stimulation Control in Subjects With Treatment-Resistant Depression (RECOVER)
The purpose of this study is to determine whether active Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Therapy is better than no stimulation VNS Therapy in improving health outcomes for subjects with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). All participants in this study will receive a VNS Therapy surgical implant, which works to reduce the symptoms of depression by sending mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve in the neck. The vagus nerve is connected to areas of the brain associated with controlling the mood. Data will be collected on responses to study treatments, quality of life, productivity, and use of healthcare services.
• current diagnosis of major depression for at least two years or at least 4 episodes of major depression
• have an inadequate improvement in symptoms with at least 4 antidepressant treatments
• on at least one antidepressant with a stable drug schedule for at least 4 weeks
• enrolled in Medicare or Medicare Advantage
• Currently uses, or is expected to use during the study, short-wave diathermy, microwave diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy
• acute suicide risk or suicide attempt within 6 months
• history of other major mental health diagnosis (staff will review)
• treatment with another device or experimental drug
COMPARE: Expanding first-line options for depression and matching treatments to patients: hatha yoga vs. behavioral therapy
We are studying treatment options for people who have depression. One group will practice hatha yoga and the other will have behavioral therapy. All treatments are done virtually via telehealth (computer) with no in person clinic visits.
• Symptoms of depression
• Able to read English or Spanish
• Live in states of NC, MA, MN, or RI
• Bone fracture or joint surgery in the past 6 months
• Unable to walk
• Severe heart failure or lung disease
• Engaged in yoga practice or psychotherapy more than once in the past 4 weeks
• Currently pregnant
• Active suicidal or manic symptoms
State Representation in Early Psychosis (STEP)
In the first phase of the study, participants will be asked to complete two sets of appointments six months apart. During both sets of appointments, participants will be asked to complete interviews and questionnaires about their life experiences and mental health, and they will have an EEG and fMRI while completing computerized tasks. The second phase of the study is optional. In this phase, participants will test one of two forms of computerized cognitive training, or brain games. They will be asked to complete 10 hours of training over a 3-6 week period. After the training period is over, they will have two sets of follow up visits, one right after the training period and one five months later. At these appointments, participants will complete the same activities done in the first phase of this study, including the interviews, questionnaires, and imaging (fMRI and EEG) combined with computerized tasks. We are recruiting two groups of participants for this study. One group will include individuals who experience hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, or a psychosis disorder (i.e., schizophrenia), and the other group will be individuals who do not have a diagnosis or family history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or autism spectrum disorder.
• able to speak and write English
• 15 to 40 years old
• diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, psychosis, bipolar disorder with psychosis, or major depressive disorder with psychosis, with psychotic symptoms starting in the past 5 years
• no hospitalizations and on stable doses of medications for the past one month or more
• For healthy volunteers without a mental health diagnosis: will match on age, sex, etc. to people enrolled in the study.
• currently pregnant
• history of neurological disorder
• previous head injury with loss of consciousness
• currently suicidal or has attempted suicide in the past 6 months
Neurobiological and Psychological Maintenance Mechanisms Associated with Anticipatory Rewards in Bulimia Nervosa
The purpose of this investigation is to identify the potentially crucial role of anticipatory reward mechanisms maintaining bulimic behavior (i.e., binge eating and purging) in bulimia nervosa (BN).
• ages 18 to 55 years
• right handed
• able to read and speak English
• at least one bulimic episode and one self-induced vomiting episode per week for at least three months
• stable dose (for at least 6 weeks) in medication that affects mood, appetite, or weight
• For Healthy Participants: right handed, speak and read English, no history of eating disorder
• history of gastric bypass
• current medical or psychiatric illness instability (e.g. hospitalization in past 3 months
• history of psychosis or bipolar disorder
• current substance use disorder
• neurological disease
• BMI less than 19 kg/m^2
Psychology and Health
The goal of this study is to learn more about how people make health-related decisions. Participants will complete two remote visits over Zoom, and answer questions about their beliefs, experiences, and health decisions they have made. They will also complete online computerized tasks. Total participation time is 2-3 hours.
• age 18 to 70 years
• have access to the Internet
• speak fluent English
• unable to speak English
Autonomic and Vascular Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Post-traumatic Stress-Disorder (PTSD)
Having PTSD is associated with a higher risk of developing Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), which presents a major health risk for women, who are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD. The purpose of this study is to learn more about the mechanisms behind the relationship between PTSD and increased cardiovascular risk. Ultimately, our goal is to use the knowledge gained from this research study to help develop intervention and treatment strategies to protect the cardiovascular health of women with PTSD.
• female
• 18 years and older
• pre-menopausal
• must have experienced a past trauma, with or without PTSD Diagnosis
• pregnant or breastfeeding
• severe traumatic brain injury
• hypertension
• diabetes
• heart disease
• vascular disease
• illicit drug use within the past 6-months prior to participation
• inability or unwillingness to abstain from nicotine use for at least 12 hours prior to Study Visits 2 & 3
Bupropion for the Prevention of Postpartum Smoking Relapse
Currently, more than half of all women who are able to quit smoking cigarettes during pregnancy start smoking again within six months after they give birth. We want to find out if the drug bupropion (a commercially-available medicine) can help women who quit smoking during pregnancy to continue not smoking after they give birth. All study visits can be completed either in-person or virtually.
• age 18 to 40
• lifetime history of smoking at least 100 cigarettes, quit smoking during current pregnancy
• uncomplicated delivery, at least 37 weeks gestation
• home within 10 days of delivery
• don't want to start smoking again
• currently use other forms of tobacco or nicotine (e-cigs, chew, snuff, etc.)
• currently use cessation aids
• currently use illicit drugs or alcohol dependence
• taking an antidepressant
• family history of seizures or seizure disorder
NEA Research Lab
This keystone study will invite adolescents into a 2-semester creative arts / science program, with arts activities taking place at the Masonic Institute of the Developing Brain (MIDB).
• age 13-17
• adolescents and at least one parent / guardian must be able to speak English
• unable to have a MRI (e.g. claustrophobia, braces)
• neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g. intellectual disability, severe autism)
• major medical and/or neurological illness
• pregnancy when starting the study
Cortical Inhibitory Biomarkers of Acute Suicidal States in Adolescents
Risk for suicidal behavior in young people may include particular types of brain functions. The goal of this research is to learn more about the biology of the brain as it relates to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• ages 13-21
• current diagnosis of depression
• prior history of either thoughts about suicide, or suicidal behaviors (a suicide attempt or a planned attempt that was stopped before it began)
• must be able to communicate verbally and in writing in English
• parental permission is needed for participants aged 17 or younger
• must have reliable internet connection
• Active substance use in the past month
• Neurological disorders such as seizures, head injury
Focus in NeuroDevelopment (FIND) Network: A Statewide Network for Research in Neurodevelopment
The purpose of this research project is to develop a registry and database of families with neurodevelopmental disorders.
• All ages
• All individuals with disabilities and families within the neurodevelopmental disorder community
• Also looking for clinicians, educators, and professionals in the field
Testing the feasibility of a clinic-based assessment of exercise-induced maximum heart rate and heart rate recovery in adults without cardiovascular disease
We want to explore whether it is possible for adults without symptoms of heart disease to perform a short, high intensity exercise routine in a clinic setting in order to measure maximum heart rate and heart rate recovery. If this method is successful, it could be used by patients and clinicians to estimate and track heart health over time.
• able to perform short-term intense exercise
• history of heart disease such as heart failure, valve disease, arrhythmia etc.
• resting symptoms of shortness of breath or chest discomfort
• resting heart rate of 100 or greater
• high blood pressure
• women who are pregnant
• unable to speak and understand English
The University of Minnesota Perinatal Health Repository
This research is being done to collect blood and placenta samples to better understand how pregnancy impacts the health of mother and child. The goal of this research is to better understand what causes some pregnancy complications and how this impacts the longer term health of mothers and children.
• pregnant women who are at least 18 years of age and their neonates/children
• seen in Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics for pre-conception, prenatal or postpartum care
Pilot of standardized cognitive behavioral therapy for young adults with sickle cell disease
A pilot study looking at an adult-based non-pharmacologic interventional trial in collaboration with psychologist who has expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adolescents with chronic disease and intellectual disability and developing processes towards independence in non-Sickle Cell Disease settings.
• 18 to 24 years old
• diagnosis of sickle cell anemia
• transitioning to adult care at UMMC from pediatric care for SCD
• unable to speak and write English
• have had more than 2 visits as a new patient in the adult UMMC sickle cell clinic
Self-Weighing for Weight Management in Adolescents Seeking Obesity Treatment: A Randomized Pilot
This study will test whether adding in daily weighing (5-7 days per week) is helpful in weight loss. In adults, it has been found to be helpful to have individuals who are obese to be more successful with their weight loss efforts if they weigh themselves at home every day. We want to see if this could be helpful in children as well. This research will last for about 12 weeks (3 months).
• aged 12 to <18 years
• BMI at the 95th percentile or greater
• weight loss or maintenance determined as the treatment goal by PWMC provider
• any unhealthy weight control behaviors
• participation in other PWMC study
• developmental delay
• diagnosis that might cause weight fluctuations in weight
• severe anxiety or depression
Validation of Flexible, Wearable Sensors to Detect and Monitor Tics
The goal of this study is to design wearable, comfortable sensors to measure muscle movement during tics. Small, flexible EMG sensors (the size of the head of a pin) will be embedded in a “band-aid like” plastic sticker which is placed on the side of the face. Participants will be video recorded as they complete movement tasks. The entire visit will take approximately 2 hours.
• 10 to 21 years old
• must have chronic tics present for at least 1 year
• must have at least one facial tic that occurs at least approximately once every 2-5 minutes
• active acute skin disorders
• previous diagnosis of psychosis or cognitive disability
• currently suicidal
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Augment Exposure and Response Prevention for Pediatric OCD (NExT)
We are doing this study to see if we can improve the standard treatment for OCD, Exposure with Response Prevention, by pairing it with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to the parts of the brain that cause OCD symptoms.
• 12 to 21 years old
• right-handed
• currently have OCD symptoms
• inability to have a MRI
• left-handed
• study staff will review additional exclusion criteria
Research Evaluating Vagal Excitation and Anatomical Links
We are studying the effects of stimulating the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve connects the brain to many organs in the body. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is already approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression and epilepsy. We want to learn more about how it affects other parts of our bodies, such as the heart, metabolism, the immune system, and the nervous system. We hope that by understanding how VNS affects the body as a whole, we can develop new treatments for other conditions, or help to improve its use for depression and epilepsy.
• previously implanted with a vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) device to treat Major Depressive Disorder and on stable medications for at least 2 months
• OR will receive a VNS implant as standard clinical care, for Major Depressive Disorder and will receive VNS clinical standard of care programming after study completion. standard clinical care, for Major Depressive Disorder and will receive VNS clinical standard of care programming after completing the study
• OR previously been implanted with a VNS for Epilepsy that isn't controlled with medication
• OR will receive a VNS implant as standard clinical care, and will receive VNS clinical standard of care programming after study completion
• Contact study staff for additional requirements for each group
• willing to use effective birth control for the entire time period of the study
• has a prior implantable stimulation device, other than a VNS device
• uses or is expected during the study to use short-wave diathermy, microwave, diathermy, or therapeutic ultrasound diathermy
• unable to speak English
• additional medical or mental health issues (study staff will review)
Brain Training for Substance Use Disorders
Participants play games designed to train visual attention towards natural, non-drug-related scenarios. A biofeedback loop between gameplay and an electroencephalogram (EEG) system monitors game performance and guides game difficulty.
• 18 to 65 years of age
• admitted to Fairview's Lodging Plus program for chemical dependency treatment with opioid use being the primary reason
• able to read at a minimum of a 6th grade reading level
• willing to provide own contact information for follow-up visit(s)
• for HEALTHY CONTROLS: 18 to 65 years old, able to read at a minimum of a 6th grade reading level, and willing to provide own contact information for follow-up visit(s)
• pregnancy
• history of serious neurological illness (e.g., Chronic seizure disorder, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, Epilepsy, Any history of seizures)
• unable to see text and photos clearly on a computer display
• current or previous problems using opioids, other prescription (prescribed or not prescribed) or illicit drugs
• regular nicotine user (e.g., cigarette smoker, e-cig user) within the past 12 months and
• unwillingness to change hairstyle (e.g., braids, pony tails, dreadlocks) or remove wig to accommodate application of the EEG headset, if necessary
EPI-MINN: Targeting Cognition and Motivation in Coordinated Specialty Care for Early Psychosis: A National Comparison Study
This is a study enrolling patients receiving care for early psychosis across the United States. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group will use two mobile apps, computerized brain training and a motivational smart phone app, for a period of 12 weeks. The other group will participate in their regular clinical care. There will be 4 study timepoints: intake, post-training, 6-month follow up, and 12-month follow up. There is also an optional interview about experiences of loneliness.
• aged 15-40 inclusive
• enrolled in an early psychosis coordinated specialty care clinic (PI will determine this)
• in good physical health & stable psychiatric status
• fluent in spoken and written English
• have access to a smart phone (or other mobile device) and computer or tablet
• participated in significant cognitive training programs within the last three years
• neurological disorder that may interfere with participation
• substance abuse disorder that would interfere with participation
• risk of suicidal behavior
Maternal probiotic supplementation for improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs)
The purpose of this study is to see whether providing pregnant women with probiotics during their pregnancy is associated with infant gut microbiome variation and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes. We expect that you and your child will be in this research study for approximately 8 months from the time you sign the consent from to the completion of your 6-month visit with your infant.
• pregnant women in their second or third trimester with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes
• screening for gestational diabetes involves a 2-step (screening test followed by a diagnostic test) with screening done between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation in a non-fasting state. If the screening threshold is met or exceeded, patients receive a oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)
• BMI 18.5-45 kg/m2 at first prenatal visit
• age 21-45 at time of delivery
• pregnant women who report during enrollment procedures that they have social support for and intention to exclusively breastfeed for at least 3 months (breastfeeding intentions are known to be correlated with actual behavior)
• single pregnancy
• alcohol consumption >1 drink per week during pregnancy/lactation
• tobacco consumption during pregnancy or lactation
• inability to speak and understand English
• known congenital metabolic, endocrine disease (other than GDM), or congenital illness affecting infant feeding
• history of type I Diabetes
• mothers currently taking over the counter probiotic preparation