Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unlike X-rays and CT-scans does not use radiation to create a picture. MRI use as the name implies, magnetism to create pictures with excellent anatomical resolution. Functional MRIs are diagnostic tests that allow doctors to not only view anatomy, but physiology and function. It is for these reasons that MRIs are excellent methods for studying the brain.

In this study, researchers will use MRIs to assess brain anatomy and function in normal volunteers and patients with a variety of childhood onset psychiatric disorders. The disorders include attention deficit disorder, autism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, childhood-onset schizophrenia, dyslexia, multidimensional impairment syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS), stuttering, Sydenham's chorea, and Tourette's syndrome.

Results of the MRIs showing the anatomy of the brain and brain function will be compared across age, sex (gender), and diagnostic groups. Correlations between brain and behavioral measures will be examined for normal and clinical populations.

Condition
Autoimmune Disease Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Healthy Mental Disorder Diagnosed in Childhood Neurologic Manifestations

Further Study Details: 

Expected Total Enrollment:  6000

Driven by the hypotheses that many of the most severe neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood onset are associated with deviations from the path of normal brain development, the neuroanatomical substrates of which can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging, we are acquiring brain images in healthy and neuropsychiatrically impaired subjects. To explore gene, brain, behavior relationships in health and illness we are also acquiring DNA along with clinical, behavioral, and cognitive data in singleton and twin populations. Controls and clinical populations are screened and characterized in behavioral, cognitive, and physical domains. Longitudinal brain MRI scans are acquired and analyzed using state-of-the-art image analysis techniques. Data from the project has resulted in seminal papers on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia, and normal pediatric brain development. The data from the normative project is unique in its longitudinal nature and sample size.

Genders Eligible for Study:  Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Criteria

INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Inclusion Requirements - Normal Volunteers
Healthy subjects consenting to participation in the study.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
Exclusions - Normal Volunteers
Presence of any psychiatric disorders on structured psychiatric interview (DICA-IV).
Current or past use of psychiatric medication.
Special service needs in school.
Presence of known genetic conditions.
If under the age of 18, parent and teacher ratings greater than one SD of population means on ADHD/hyperactivity factors.
Presence or history of medical conditions known to affect cerebral anatomy.
Head injury with loss of consciousness.
Braces.
Metal implants or other contraindications for MRI scanning.
Presence of metal objects, pregnancy, or inability to provide a specimen to rule out pregnancy in females over age 12.

Maryland
      National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 9000 Rockville Pike,  Bethesda,  Maryland,  20892,  United States; Recruiting

Study ID Numbers:  890006; 89-M-0006
Record last reviewed:  January 5, 2005
Last Updated:  January 19, 2005
Record first received:  November 3, 1999
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:  NCT00001246
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on 2005-04-08