Current Environment:

A Novel Neuroimaging Score to Predict Psychosis Risk in Youth

In this research study, we are exploring how a more affordable and accessible neuroimaging technique–low-field MRI–can be used to help understand neurodevelopment and provide information about risk for psychiatric disorders. We’re comparing brain scans from the low-field MRI machine to scans from the expensive, traditional machines.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the study, you or your child must:

  • Be between nine to 26 years old
  • Have no history of mental illness
  • Have no current mental health diagnosis
  • Have no neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders

What would I or my child need to do?

In the first visit (five to six hours), you or your child will complete:

  • Two MRI scans
  • Interviews
  • Questionnaires
  • Computer tasks

For 12 months after the first visit, we will ask you or your child to complete a short, online survey each month.

One and two years after the first visit, we will ask you or your child to come back in for another MRI scan.

Participants under 18 will need a parent or guardian present for consent.

What are the benefits of participating?

There are no direct benefits to participating, but we hope that this study will help to make neuroimaging more accessible in the future.

  • Reimbursement: Free parking for study visits and up to $20 in travel expenses.
  • Compensation assistance: Up to $160 for completing all activities in the first visit, and an additional $160 for completing all follow-up activities.

To learn more about the study, email NerdLab@childrens.harvard.edu or call 617-919-4126.

If you'd like to be contacted about participating in this study, please complete the form below.