Actively Recruiting
Developing Brain, Impulsivity and Compulsivity
Led by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) · Updated on 2026-04-13
1100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
482 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Background: Impulsivity is acting 'without thinking.' Compulsivity is being overly inflexible. People vary in how impulsive or compulsive they are. Extreme versions of these behaviors play a role in mental disorders. Researchers want to study changes in the brain to learn more about these behaviors. Differences in genes may also play a role. Objective: To learn about genetic \& brain features that explain why levels of impulsivity and compulsivity vary across people. Eligibility: People ages 6 - 80 Design: Participants will be screened with a medical history and medical record review. Participants will talk about their mental and behavioral development. They may discuss topics like drug use and sexual activity. They will complete surveys about their compulsivity and impulsivity. Parents of child participants may also complete these surveys. Participants may take memory, attention, and thinking tests. They may give blood or saliva samples for gene studies and they may give blood to make induced pluripotent stem cells. Participants may have their face and irises photographs taken. Participants may have a magnetic resonance imaging scan. It will take pictures of their brain. The scanner is shaped like a cylinder. Participants will lie on a table that slides in and out of the scanner. A coil will be placed over their head. They will lie still, watch a movie, and play a game. Participants may ask family members to join the study. Researchers are particularly interested in recruiting twin pairs to the study. Participants under age 25 may repeat these tests every 1-2 years until they turn 25 or until the study ends. For those over age 25, participation will last less than 1 month.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Developing Brain, Impulsivity and Compulsivity
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Willingness to comply with all study procedures and be available throughout the study
- Age between 6 and 80 years
- Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent document
You will not qualify if you...
- Cognitive inability to perform study procedures or provide consent, such as having an IQ under 70 or intellectual disabilities
- Birth before 32 weeks gestational age (very premature birth)
- Known brain abnormalities or medical conditions affecting brain anatomy, like tumors, epilepsy, stroke, or serious head injury
- Diagnosis of psychotic disorders including schizophrenia
- Dementia or other conditions that may hinder study participation
- Pregnancy
- Any other medical or psychiatric condition that could affect study data or assessments
- Inability to undergo MRI due to metal implants, claustrophobia, inability to lie flat, pregnancy, or other MRI contraindications
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Tonya J White, M.D.
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here