Exploring how the brain processes social interactions
An Integrated Single-neuronal, Population-, Local Network- and Stimulation-based Prefrontal Investigation of Human Social Cognition
NA · Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT05324579
This study is testing how the brain processes social interactions by recording brain activity from people who are having deep brain stimulation while they perform tasks related to social situations.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05324579 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the role of the dorsal prefrontal cortex in human social cognition by obtaining single-neuronal recordings from participants undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrode placement. Participants will perform a brief behavioral task involving social scenarios while their neuronal activity is recorded. Each participant serves as their own control, allowing for a unique analysis of the neuronal mechanisms underlying social behavior. The study aims to enhance our understanding of the neural basis of social cognition through direct observation of brain activity during specific tasks.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for deep brain stimulation surgery and can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with significant co-morbidities, severe anxiety, or those on CNS-active medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of social cognition disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on social cognition exist, this approach of integrating neuronal recordings during DBS placement is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 years old or older 2. patients able to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Children under 18 2. Significant co-morbidities 3. Claustrophobia or general anxiety that may impact intraoperative testing 4. Use of CNS-active medications including stimulants and antipsychotics which may alter 5. Pregnancy 6. Operative events that will require expedition of the surgery. 7. Poor tolerance of testing by the patient 8. Increased abnormal cortical excitability 9. Necessity to administer drugs that will interfere with mapping
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
- Rhode Island Hospital — Providence, Rhode Island, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ziv Williams, MD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ziv Williams, MD
- Email: zwilliams@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 6173126534
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.
Conditions: Neurosciences