Adolescent brain imaging study of prenatal chemical and social exposures
Official title: Environmental Mixtures, Cognitive Control and Reward Processes, and Risk for Psychiatric Problems in Adolescence
Run by Ohio State University · NCT05795452 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether prenatal chemical exposures and early social stress influence brain function and behavior in teenagers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 15 Years to 23 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 20, 2022 |
| Main results expected | May 2027 |
| Study ends | May 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05795452 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Teens aged 15–23 who were part of the CCCEH Mothers and Newborns or Sibling/Hermanos cohorts with available prenatal exposure data.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants without prenatal exposure data or without detectable brain-behavior associations may not see direct benefits.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will use high-resolution MRI, including resting-state and task-based scans, to explore how prenatal exposures to chemicals and early life stress relate to cognitive control and reward processing in adolescence. The study leverages existing data from a large Columbia CCCEH cohort and will examine brain pathways that link exposure to behavioral symptoms. It is observational and focuses on identifying associations rather than testing an intervention. Adolescents aged 15–23, with English or Spanish proficiency and consent, will participate alongside their parents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these brain pathways could inform prevention strategies for adolescent psychiatric symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior work shows associations between prenatal exposures and later behavioral symptoms, but this study adds neural pathway insights and is relatively novel in linking chemical and social exposures.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participation in either the Mothers and Newborns or Sibling/Hermanos Cohort * Available prenatal exposure data leveraged from the CCCEH database * Ability of subject or parent to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. * For children, informed assent and parental informed consent to participate in the study * Males and females; Age 15-23 years old * Adolescents and parents must be English- or Spanish-speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication for MRI as determined by institutionally approved MRI screening questionnaire
Where it's running
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Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amy Margolis, PhD — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Amy Margolis, PhD
- Email: amy.margolis@osumc.edu
- Phone: 3472767256
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.