Development of Neuroimaging Methods to Assess the Neurobiology of Addiction

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying brain function in healthy adults aged 18 and older by using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. The purpose is to develop new MRI methods to better observe changes in the brain related to addiction and explore how the brain responds to different sensory, motor, cognitive, and emotional tasks. This research involves studying brain structure, neurochemical activity, blood flow, and electrical brain signals using various imaging and recording technologies. Participants will undergo up to three MRI sessions that may include different tasks such as viewing images, making choices about rewards, reacting to stimuli, and breathing exercises. During some scans, small electric shocks or movements may be involved. Brain electrical activity may also be recorded using electrodes placed on the scalp. Participants may have urine collected for tests, and some sessions may include questionnaires about their experience. Multiple sub-studies allow participants to join several tasks but limit MRI frequency to once per week and 20 per year. During the study, participants will be screened with medical history reviews, physical exams, and laboratory tests including blood and urine analysis. They will complete questionnaires about drug use, psychiatric background, and family history of addiction. Researchers will measure brain activity signals, behavioral responses like reaction time and accuracy, physiological signs such as heart rate and blood pressure, and collect autonomic data. The primary outcome is to evaluate the amplitude and reliability of specific brain signals captured by fMRI. The total participation time varies depending on the number of sub-studies joined.

Development Of Neuroimaging Methods To Assess The Neurobiology Of Addiction