Overview

The purpose of this study is to study brain chemical imbalances that may be present in individuals who suffer from depression, using MRI/MRS. The MRI takes pictures of the brain and the MRS simultaneously measures the chemical of interest. If subjects meet initial eligibility criteria, a screening visit is scheduled. At this screening visit, which can last up to 3 hours, a structured clinical interview is performed by a member of the research team to confirm the psychiatric diagnosis (or lack of a psychiatric diagnosis for healthy control subjects). During this visit, a physical is performed by a medical doctor, and blood and urine samples are collected to rule out any current medical problems. If the subject continues to qualify, the MRI/MRS is then scheduled. The MRI/MRS visit takes approximately 2 hours. Subjects are then scheduled for the neuropsychological testing. This visit can take up to 4 hours.

Eligibility

• Diagnosed with Unipolar disorder
• Age 8 - 17
• No current medical problems
• Not pregnant
• No neurologic disorders
• No family history of a hereditary neurologic disorder
• No alcohol or substance abuse within the last 6 months
• No metal fragments, aneurysm clips, pacemakers, etc.

Study Payment

• $75 compensation for the parent
• $40 for the completed MRI/MRS scan
• $35 for the completed neuropsychological testing

(Local) Study Sites:

Patients are recruited from the inpatient and outpatient research programs at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), University Hospital, and South Texas Veterans Health Care System. The screening and subsequent visits are scheduled at these locations.

For more information, please call our intake line at (210) 258-5365.