Investigating brain processes related to rewards in adolescents

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study will enroll 300 adolescents aged 14-17 to explore the relationship between substance use and dopamine function through neuromelanin-sensitive MRI and functional brain imaging. Participants will undergo three in-person assessments over 36 months, including a baseline evaluation, an 18-month follow-up, and a 36-month follow-up, alongside remote assessments of substance use every 90 days. The study aims to identify brain mechanisms that could inform future treatments for preventing substance use disorders in youth.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Males and females ages 14-17 years-old;
* English-speaking for assent and interview completion;
* Capacity to provide assent.
* For parents, the inclusion criteria will be willing and capacity to provide parental permission/consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* current (within 6 months) use of medication that may affect cerebral function
* history of severe medical or neurological illness, including stroke or seizure;
* history of head trauma with loss of consciousness;
* presence of metal in the body;
* pregnancy or breastfeeding;
* recent drug or alcohol use determined by positive urine toxicology or breathalyzer (to validate self-report assessment of substance use history);
* lifetime use of psychotropic or other medication that could likely influence dopamine function, namely stimulant medication or antipsychotic medication, except a subgroup of 25 youth with history of prescribed stimulant medication and a subgroup of 15 youth with history antipsychotic medication will be enrolled for comparison purposes.

Where it's running

• Stony Brook Medicine
  Stony Brook, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Greg Perlman, PhD
• Email: greg.perlman@stonybrookmedicine.edu
• Phone: 1-631-638-1922

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.