Neuroimaging of Dimensional Reward Dysfunction in Adolescence

Principal Investigator: Theodore D. Satterthwaite, M.D., M.A.

This study aims to better understand how the brain functions relating to rewards, motivation, and decision-making develop during adolescence and young adulthood. We are actively recruiting individuals ages 13-30 with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, individuals who may be at-risk for schizophrenia, as well as healthy people without psychiatric symptoms.   

The study involves one to two visits.The first visit involves a) a clinical interview b) a computerized task that includes memory and puzzle-like problems and c) a urine drug screen. The second visit includes a one-hour MRI scan, during which participants are asked to play games that will allow them the chance to win money.  The second visit also includes additional interview questions, another urine drug screen, and decision-making games on the computer, which will give participants another chance to earn money.

Participants will receive $80 for their time and effort on one of the visits involving an interview and computer activity, and $30 on the other visit involving an MRI scan and further computer tasks.Participants win an additional $30-$70 on the MRI study visit from the tasks completed in the MRI as well as the computer activities.Each study visit takes 3-5 hours to complete, depending upon the study day.

If you are interested in participating in this study please contact Natalie Katchmar at 267-441-9072.


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