Investigating brain processes related to rewards in adolescents

Neuromelanin MRI: A Tool for Non-invasive Investigation of Dopaminergic Abnormalities in Adolescent Substance Use

This study is looking at how the brain's reward system works in teenagers to see if it can help us understand and prevent substance use problems.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 300 (estimated)
• Ages: 14 Years to 17 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Stony Brook University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Stony Brook, New York)
• Trial ID: NCT06369623 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking males and females aged 14-17 who can provide assent and have parental consent.

Not a fit: Patients with recent substance use, severe medical conditions, or those on medications affecting cerebral function may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that prevent the onset of substance use disorders in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in its specific focus on adolescent substance use and dopamine function, similar studies have shown promise in understanding reward-related neural processes.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Stony Brook, New York

• Stony Brook Medicine — Stony Brook, New York, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Greg Perlman, PhD

Conditions Adolescent Development