Current Studies

Now enrolling two groups of children and teens, ages 10-17:

1. Children and teens who self-injure via cutting with no history of suicide attempts
2. Children and teens with no personal or family history of psychiatric illness

The study includes:

• A comprehensive diagnostic assessment and IQ test
• Playing special computer games
• An MRI brain scan
• 6 short follow-up visits 
• Up to $680 in compensation

More info:

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a growing problem that can be linked to suicide for some kids. This study seeks to identify potential brain mechanisms that may predict future suicide attempts in kids who self-injure via cutting. We are also enrolling healthy controls with no personal or family history of psychiatric illness.

Now enrolling one group of children and teens, ages 8-16: 

1. Children and teens with any level of irritability, ranging from no irritability to severe irritability

The study includes:

• A comprehensive diagnostic assessment and IQ test
• Playing special computer games
• An MRI brain scan
• Up to $200 in compensation

More info:

Irritability—or the tendency to be angry or grumpy—is the most common reason why children are brought in for psychiatric evaluation. We are looking for 8-16 year olds, whether they have lots or little irritability, to join our study that will improve how we diagnose and treat irritability in the future.

Now enrolling two groups of children, ages 10-14: 

1. Children who have a history of a suicide attempt(s)
2. Children with no personal or family history of psychiatric illness

The study includes:

• A comprehensive diagnostic assessment and IQ test
• Playing special computer games
• An MRI brain scan
• 2 short follow-up visits
• Up to $310 in compensation

More info:

Suicide and irritability are growing concerns for children, but too often these two common and impairing problems are researched separately. This study seeks to identify potential brain and behavior mechanisms of both irritability and suicide in children. We are also enrolling healthy controls with no personal or family history of psychiatric illness.