A Novel Approach for Probing Brain Energetics in Young Adults with Depression
Why is this research being done?
The purpose of this study is to learn about how energy metabolism in the brain and in blood cells differs between young adults with versus without depression. This research is important because it could help us understand more about the underlying biology of depression, which in turn could help guide future research on new treatments for people with depression.
Study Overview:
If you are eligible and choose to participate, you will be asked to attend two study visits. The first study visit will take place via zoom. This visit begins with the informed consent process. Researchers will explain the study to you and answer any questions you may have. If you agree to participate, after you sign the consent form, you will be asked to complete a clinical interview with a member of the study team to learn more about your mental health.
Following this first study visit, we will send a link to complete some questionnaires which will ask for some basic information about you (such as your age, race, and gender identity etc.), your ability to enjoy things in life, and additional details about any current depression or anxiety symptoms.
The second research visit will take place at the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) and will involve a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a blood draw. The MRI scan will use a strong magnetic field to recreate images of the brain. You will lie on a table in a space enclosed by a metal cylinder; the cylinder is the scanner. For this study, you will be in a 7-Tesla strength MRI scanner. The imaging coil (the piece of equipment that will go around your head during the scan) is not FDA approved, but does meet all safety standards, and has been used extensively in studies like this one.
Is there any way this study could be bad for me?
Here is a quick summary of the key risks to the study, which would be discussed in greater detail during the informed consent process:
• Clinical interviews and questionnaires: During the study, you may be asked questions that make you feel uncomfortable or upset. Some of the questions you will be asked are related to mental health, medical health and symptoms. If you feel uncomfortable at any point during the interview, please let us know. If there is a question you do not feel comfortable answering on the questionnaires, you may skip it.
• MRI: Unlike an x-ray or CT scan, MRI scans do not use ionizing radiation (high-energy radiation that can potentially cause damage to DNA). There are other risks specific to having MRI scans which will be discussed at your consent meeting.
• Blood draw: Sometimes getting a blood draw can cause pain at the site of the needle stick, tenderness and/or bruising at the site of blood collection, dizziness or light-headedness. Very rarely, people experience an infection at the site of the needle stick.
• Confidentiality: Lastly there are additional risks related to communication with the study team and confidentiality. While the study team will do everything they can to keep your data secure, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
What happens if I do not want to participate in this research study?
You may choose not to be in this study and it will not be held against you. Even if you decide to do the study and you start it but then change your mind, you may choose to stop participating in the study at any time.
How will I be compensated?
If you agree to take part in this research study, we will pay you up to $140. If you are an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota, you will have the option to instead receive Research Experience Participation (REP) points. You will receive:
• $40 for the initial zoom meeting (consent and clinical interview) or 4 REP points
• $20 for completing the at home surveys or 2 REP points
• $60 for the MRI scan or 9 REP points
• $20 for the blood draw or 2 REP points
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Aurora Green
umnteen@umn.edu
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