Developing Brain, Impulsivity and Compulsivity Study

This study is looking at how impulsivity (acting without thinking) and compulsivity (being overly inflexible) are connected to brain development and genetics. Researchers want to understand why people have different levels of these behaviors, especially in conditions like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. They will measure a brain chemical called glutamate using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (a type of brain scan) and look at how much of this is passed down through families. This is an observational study, meaning there are no interventions or treatments being tested. It aims to enroll 1100 participants between 6 and 80 years old. The current status of the study is unclear.

Study design
This is an observational study that plans to enroll 1100 participants. It uses a longitudinal design to study development over time and a twin design to look at how traits are inherited.
What's involved
You will have a medical history taken and your medical records reviewed. You will talk about your mental and behavioral development, including topics like drug use and sexual activity, and complete surveys about impulsivity and compulsivity. Glutamate concentration will be measured yearly if possible.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Glutamate concentration will be measured yearly if possible, but the overall duration of follow-up is not specified.

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NCT04631042

Developing Brain, Impulsivity and Compulsivity

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 6–80Observational
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
~1,100 participants
Updated 2026-08-19 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Glutamate concentration measured using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Measured over Yearly if possible
+1 more outcome measured
Typical Development
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Conduct Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder
1 sites across 1 states
Maryland1
  • Tonya J White, M.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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  • Glutamate concentration measured using Magnetic Resonance SpectroscopyYearly if possible

    Age-related change in cortical glutamate levels and its moderation by individual differences in levels of impulsivity and compulsivity.

  • Heritability of cortical glutamate (proportion of variance explained by additive genetic factors).Baseline

    Degree to which glutamate levels are under genetic control.