Imaging mGluR5 and Synaptic Density in Psychiatric Disorders (NCT03898297) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Imaging mGluR5 and Synaptic Density in Psychiatric Disorders
United States120 participantsStarted 2017-01-11
Plain-language summary
This research study is designed to look at the involvement of the glutamate system and synaptic density in depression and bipolar disorder. Each participant will undergo a screening appointment to determine study eligibility. Thereafter, the study will take 2 or 3 visits depending on schedule availability and will consist of a combination of one magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan, one proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and/or one C13 MRS scans, and up to two positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Participants will also participate in cognitive testing. Depending on camera time, staff availability and subject schedule, total study participation may last 1-2 months.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
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
Inclusion criteria for healthy controls: no current, or history of any DSM-5 diagnosis
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.
1This trial is measuring brain receptors and synaptic density using PET scan tracers like [18F]FPEB and [11C]APP311 — can you explain what these scans actually involve and whether the radiation exposure from two different PET tracers is something I should be concerned about?
2Since this trial is already completed, would there be any way for me or my care team to access the findings, and could the results tell us anything useful about what's happening in my brain with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder?
3This study seems focused on understanding brain biology rather than testing a treatment — does that mean participating wouldn't have offered any direct therapeutic benefit, and are there active treatment trials I should be looking at instead?
4Given that this trial enrolled both people with psychiatric diagnoses and healthy volunteers, what was the purpose of that comparison, and could the research findings change how my doctor thinks about diagnosing or treating my condition?
5Are there any currently recruiting follow-up studies building on this brain imaging research that might be worth discussing as a next step for someone in my situation?
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.