TerminatedNot Applicable

Brain Tissue Collection for Neuropathological Studies

United States2,161 participantsStarted 1990-05-29

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to collect and study the brain tissue of deceased individuals to learn more about the nervous system and mental disorders. Information gained from donated tissue may lead to better treatments and potential cures for nervous system and mental disorders. This study will ask relatives of deceased individuals to donate the brains of their deceased relatives to allow further study of neurological and psychiatric disorders. We do not accept prospective donations.

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

* INCLUSION CRITERIA: Brain tissue is needed from individuals suffering from a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, especially schizophrenia, but also anxiety disorders, suicide, bipolar disorder, depression, Tourette's Syndrome, drug addictions (PCP, cocaine, alcohol, heroin or the like) and any form of dementia. In addition, brains from normal individuals without a history of neuropsychiatric disease will be needed for controls. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: No living subjects are enrolled in this protocol. Tissue is obtained after death, with the permission of next of kin, or from existing institutions with appropriate samples via an MTA or other applicable agreement. Brain tissue is excluded from collection if there is a previously known history of strokes, lesions, or other major neuropathological abnormalities prior to the consenting process.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00001260

SponsorNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Bipolar Disorder trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.