Examining how mood and anxiety disorders run in families
Family Study of Affective and Anxiety Spectrum Disorders
This study is trying to see how mood and anxiety disorders, along with migraines, are passed down in families by looking at 800 people with these conditions and their relatives.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 3975 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 120 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT00071786 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the familial patterns of mood disorders, anxiety, and migraines. It will recruit 800 individuals with various mood disorders and their family members to assess the transmission of these conditions across generations. Participants will undergo structured diagnostic interviews and complete questionnaires, with data collected on both mental and physical health. The study will also explore genetic factors by collecting DNA samples from participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with mood spectrum conditions, anxiety disorders, or migraines, as well as their family members.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have mood or anxiety disorders or migraines may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for mood and anxiety disorders in families.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in understanding familial patterns of mood disorders, making this approach both relevant and valuable.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* Since this study is based on systematic recruitment from the local community and other non-clinical settings such as screening protocols from volunteers, there are no specific diagnostic inclusion and exclusion criteria. However, the study targets individuals with mood spectrum conditions and migraine. Criteria for the specific subgroups of mood and anxiety disorders are presented in Table 1. Individuals who do not meet criteria are classified as controls. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. the ability to comprehend the interview, and 2. probands must agree to contact at least two relatives (contacting relatives is not required in cases where the participant is enrolled in just the mobile technologies assessments (EMA and Actigraphy). EXCLUSION CRITERIA: The only exclusion criteria include impaired ability to comprehend the interview or inability to read. SPECIFIC INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA BY PROBAND GROUP: GENERAL INCLUSION CRITERIA: The only inclusion criteria for the study are that the person be English-speaking and ability to read and comprehend the interview. BIPOLAR I INCLUSION CRITERIA: Lifetime history of DSM-IV Bipolar I or Manic Episode BIPOLAR II INCLUSION CRITERIA: Lifetime history of DSM-IV Bipolar II with duration of hypomania reduced to 2 or more days (according to RDC) MAJOR DEPRESSION INCLUSION CRITERIA: Lifetime history of at least 2 episodes of DSM-IV Major Depression PANIC/GAD INCLUSION CRITERIA: Lifetime history of DSM-IV diagnosis for Panic Disorder or GAD PHOBIAS INCLUSION CRITERIA: Lifetime history of DSM-IV diagnosis for social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, or specific phobias (greater than or equal to 3) MIGRAINE INCLUSION CRITERIA: Lifetime history of IHS migraine with or without Aura GENERAL EXCLUSION CRITERIA: The only exclusion criteria include impaired ability to comprehend the interview or inability to read.
Where this trial is running
Bethesda, Maryland
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — Bethesda, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kathleen Merikangas, Ph.D. — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Study coordinator: Kathleen Merikangas, Ph.D.
- Email: familystudy@nih.gov
- Phone: (301) 496-7773
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.