Purpose
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unlike X-rays and CT-scans does not use radiation to create
a picture. MRI use as the name implies, magnetism to create pictures with excellent
anatomical resolution. Functional MRIs are diagnostic tests that allow doctors to not only
view anatomy, but physiology and function. It is for these reasons that MRIs are excellent
methods for studying the brain.
In this study, researchers will use MRIs to assess brain anatomy and function in normal
volunteers and patients with a variety of childhood onset psychiatric disorders. The
disorders include attention deficit disorder, autism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia,
childhood-onset schizophrenia, dyslexia, multidimensional impairment syndrome, obsessive
compulsive disorder, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with
Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS), stuttering, Sydenham's chorea, and Tourette's syndrome.
Results of the MRIs showing the anatomy of the brain and brain function will be compared
across age, sex (gender), and diagnostic groups. Correlations between brain and behavioral
measures will be examined for normal and clinical populations.
| Study Type: |
Observational |
| Study Design: |
N/A |
Eligibility
| Ages Eligible for Study: | 3 Years |
| Genders Eligible for Study: | Both |
| Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | Accepts Healthy Volunteers |
Criteria
- Description of study populations: Participants include typically developing
subjects, subjects with a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions, and those with
anomalous sex chromosome numbers or endocrine conditions.
INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR HEALTHY CONTROLS:
Subjects consenting to participation in the study
Over 3 years of age with no upper limit for age at time of enrollment.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR HEALTHY CONTROLS:
Presence of any psychiatric disorder in the subject, sibling, or other first-degree
relative.
Current or past use of psychiatric medication.
Special service needs in school.
Presence or history of medical conditions known to affect cerebral anatomy.
Dental braces.
Metal in the body or other contraindications for MRI scanning.
For females who have reached menarche: Pregnancy or inability or unwillingness to undergo
pregnancy testing.
INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR PATIENT POPULATIONS:
Male and female subjects over 3 years of age with no upper limit for age (with the
exception of the Down syndrome group - see below). Currently meet criteria for at least
one of the following:
DSM-IV (or other approved) criteria for one of the following clinical diagnoses:
Multi-Dimensionally Impaired, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Childhood Onset
Schizophrenia, Turner Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, High
Functioning Autism, Pervasive Development Disorder
Sex chromosome aneuploidy as determined by karyotype (including XXX, XXXX, XXXXX, XXY,
XXYY, XXXY, XXXXY, XYY).
ICD-10 criteria for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Cushings Syndrome, Kallmann Syndrome,
and Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome.
ADHD
Down's Syndrome
Newly enrolled adults and minors once they become adults over age 18 who cannot give
consent due to limited capacity may have a surrogate, i.e., a legally responsible
representative (LAR), sign the consent. LARs include DPA holders, court-appointed legal
guardians, or parents or siblings over 18 years of age. We will consult with the Human
Subjects Protection Unit as necessary.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR ALL PATIENT POPULATIONS:
Dental braces.
Metal in the body or other contraindications for MRI scanning.
For females who have reached menarche: Pregnancy or inability or unwillingness to undergo
pregnancy testing.
Evidence of another medical condition or traumatic event known to affect cerebral anatomy.
A known genetic disorder (other than the condition under investigation) that would be
expected to significantly impact findings from cognitive testing and/or neuroimaging.
ADDITIONAL INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR ADHD PARTICIPANTS:
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV)-defined
ADHD. The DSM-IV diagnosis of ADHD will be based on the Parent Diagnostic Interview for
Children and Adolescents.
Conners' Teacher Hyperactivity rating greater than 2 SD above age- and sex-specific means.
ADDITIONAL EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR ADHD PARTICIPANTS:
A full-scale IQ of less than 80.
Birth before 34 weeks of gestation.
Other axis I psychiatric disorder requiring treatment with medication at study entry (with
the exception of oppositional-defiant disorder).
ADDITIONAL INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR DOWN SYNDROME PARTICIPANTS:
Confirmed chromosomal diagnosis of Down syndrome.
Age at entry into the study is 30 years or under.
ADDITIONAL INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR PARTICIPANTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS:
Meeting DSM-IV criteria for one of the pervasive developmental disorders (i.e., autistic
disorder, Asperger disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified).
Having a minimum IQ of 70.
