Overview
This study investigates the connectivity between different brain regions in the brains of individuals who suffer from unipolar depression compared to healthy control subjects. The study consists of a screening visit, which lasts approximately 3 hours, in which a structured clinical interview is performed to confirm the diagnosis of depression, or to rule out any psychiatric diagnosis for healthy controls. A brief physical exam and routine blood and urine tests are also done at this time to rule out any current medical problems, illegal drug use, and pregnancy. If the subject continues to qualify, then we have time slots at the Research Imaging Center for the functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scan, then two days later the Trancranial Magnetic Stimulation/Positron Emission Tomography (TMS/PET) scan, (usually Monday & Wednesday, or Wednesday & Friday). The fMRI lasts approximately 1 hour, and the purpose is to locate the specific region of interest in the brain. The TMS/PET scan lasts approximately 3hours, and includes magnetic stimulation of the brain, which may cause slight movements in the body, and that gives off very small amounts of radiation. The TMS stimulation is monitored using electromyography (EMG). During EMG, electrodes are placed in the subject's hand to record the muscle movement. The amount of radiation is comparable to the amount received during a thallium cardiac stress test.
Eligibility
- Between the ages of 18-55
- Free of psychotropic drugs
- No psychiatric diagnosis
- No current medical problems
- No current illegal drug use
- No metal fragments, aneurysm clips, pacemakers
- Not pregnant
- No neurological disorders (including head injury with loss of consciousness, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, stroke)
- No history of encephalitis or any brain lesions
- No pumps that deliver medication in the body, or lines in the heart
- No family history of hereditary neurological disorder (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease)
Study Payment
$150 for the completed fMRI and TMS/PET sessions
-If the subject discontinues the study prior to completion, he/she will be compensated $20 per hour for the time completed
(Local) Study Sites:
The screening visit is scheduled at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), and the General Clinical Research Center at the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Audie L. Murphy Division. The fMRI and TMS/PET sessions are at the Research Imaging Center , UTHSCSA.
For more information please call Rhonda Barnard at 210-562-5491.
