Observational Study of Brain Development, Impulsivity, and Compulsivity in People Aged 6 to 80

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how impulsivity acting without thinking and compulsivity being overly inflexible vary across people, including those with mental disorders like ADHD, OCD, and autism spectrum disorder. The study aims to understand how genetic factors and brain changes, especially in cortical glutamate and brain connectivity, relate to these behaviors during development from childhood to early adulthood. The study includes a longitudinal design and twin assessments to explore heritability and brain development patterns. Participants aged 6 to 80 undergo clinical interviews, behavioral assessments, and surveys about impulsivity and compulsivity. They may take cognitive tests and provide blood or saliva samples for genetic studies and stem cell creation. Brain imaging with MRI scans captures detailed brain structure and function while participants watch movies or play games. Twins and family members may be invited to participate. Those under 25 may repeat assessments every 1 to 2 years until age 25 or study end participants over 25 have a shorter participation period of less than one month. During the study, participants discuss mental and behavioral history, complete surveys, and may have brain scans and photographs taken. Researchers measure brain glutamate levels annually when possible and assess genetic contributions to these levels at baseline. Additional outcomes include brain connectivity and differences within twin pairs. The study involves careful monitoring of brain and genetic markers over time, helping to reveal brain development related to impulsivity and compulsivity.

Developing Brain, Impulsivity and Compulsivity