Study of Anxiety, Brain Development, and Stress Responses in Young Teens at Risk for Substance Use

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the relationship between anxiety symptoms and risky substance use behaviors in children aged 12 to 14. This study aims to understand how changes during adolescence affect brain connections and stress responses that may lead to early substance use. The study focuses on neural, physiological, and cognitive factors in youth who have not previously used drugs or alcohol. Participants will undergo a series of assessments including questionnaires, interviews, and neuroimaging while performing cognitive tasks. They will also take part in a mild stress test called the Trier Social Stress Test for Children, which involves public speaking and mental arithmetic to monitor heart rate and skin conductance. Caregivers will complete questionnaires as well. Data will be collected at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months, with a final online survey in year 5. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored for brain activity during various tasks using functional MRI, physiological stress responses, anxiety levels, and substance use patterns. Researchers will assess reaction times, brain signal changes, nervous system activity, hormone levels, and cognitive performance. The study includes multiple follow-up visits over two years and a long-term evaluation of symptoms and substance use at year 5, involving both the youth and their caregivers.

Adverse Adolescent Pathways to Substance Use