Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unlike X-rays and CT-scans does not use radiation to create a picture. MRI use as the name implies, magnetism to create pictures with excellent anatomical resolution. Functional MRIs are diagnostic tests that allow doctors to not only view anatomy, but physiology and function. It is for these reasons that MRIs are excellent methods for studying the brain.

In this study, researchers will use MRIs to assess brain anatomy and function in normal volunteers and patients with a variety of childhood onset psychiatric disorders. The disorders include attention deficit disorder, autism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, childhood-onset schizophrenia, dyslexia, multidimensional impairment syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS), stuttering, Sydenham's chorea, and Tourette's syndrome.

Results of the MRIs showing the anatomy of the brain and brain function will be compared across age, sex (gender), and diagnostic groups. Correlations between brain and behavioral measures will be examined for normal and clinical populations.

Condition
Autoimmune Disease Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Healthy Mental Disorder Diagnosed in Childhood Neurologic Manifestations

Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with its lack of ionizing radiation and excellent anatomical resolution, provides unprecedented opportunity to quantify the anatomy of the developing brain. Functional MRI allows in vivo assessment of pediatric brain physiology. Diffusion tensor imaging allows mapping of white matter tracts. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy allows metabolic assessment.

Cerebral MRI will be used to assess brain anatomy and function in normal volunteers and subjects with a variety of childhood onset psychiatric disorders including attention deficit disorder, autism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, childhood-onset schizophrenia, dyslexia, multidimensional impairment syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder. Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infection (PANDAS), stuttering, Sydenham's chorea, and Tourette's Syndrome. Quantitative measures of brain structure and function will be compared across age, gender, and diagnostic groups. Correlations between brain and behavioral measures will be examined for normal and clinical populations. Both singleton and twin subjects will be assessed.

Genders Eligible for Study:  Both

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Criteria

INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Normal controls will be recruited from the community.
Clinical subjects to be scanned will have met screening and diagnositc criteria set forth by protocols pertaining to specific diagnosis.
Any patient with cognitive impairment over the age of 18 will require a durable-power-of-attorney.
Competent patients who turn 18 should sign the consent themselves.

Maryland
      National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 9000 Rockville Pike,  Bethesda,  Maryland,  20892,  United States; Recruiting

Study ID Numbers:  890006; 89-M-0006
Record last reviewed:  January 9, 2004
Last Updated:  January 9, 2004
Record first received:  November 3, 1999
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:  NCT00001246
Health Authority: United States: Federal Government
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on 2004-10-29