Biomarkers Development for Psychiatric Disorders

This study aims to explore, using non-invasive procedures like brain imaging and psychological interviews, the relationship between biological factors (such as the structure, chemistry, and physiology of the brain), and mood or behavioral factors (such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, suicidality, cognitive impairment, or other chronic-stress related symptoms) in an adult population. The goal of this approach is to identify biological indicators (“biomarkers”) that may help clinicians to more easily distinguish between these mood disorders, better predict the likelihood that a particular course of drug or behavioral therapy would be effective for a particular individual, and that will help researchers better understand the way that these trauma-and-stress related symptoms play out over time and across different populations. It is hoped that over time, and through additional research in the future, the understanding gained through this study may help improve treatment outcomes and overall quality of life for individuals suffering from these symptoms. This protocol is what the majority of our MRI scans are conducted under and those participants enrolled in any of our other studies will be asked to consent into this study as well. During this study, participants will complete self-report questionnaires, cognitive assessment tasks, and clinical interviews in addition to the scanning visits. The ability and willingness to participate in neuroimaging sessions is a requirement for participation in this study.

This is the neuroimaging protocol for our research program and participants engaged in any of our other studies may be invited to complete some or all of these procedures.