Researchers want to better understand how brain activity, repeated thoughts, and puberty hormones are connected during adolescence. The study may also help researchers learn how these patterns relate to anxiety and other mental health concerns.

Your child may be eligible for this study if they meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 10-17
• Worry or experience negative thoughts
• Have not been diagnosed with psychosis or autism
• Able to undergo an MRI (no non-removable metal on or in body or severe claustrophobia)
• Not taking psychiatric or hormonal medication

• Participation includes an interview visit, which may be completed virtually or in person, and one visit to the MRI center.

  Interview Visit

  During the interview portion of the study, your child will:

  • Complete an interview about thoughts they may worry about or think about repeatedly
  • Complete questionnaires online

  MRI Center Visit

  During the MRI visit, your child will:

  • Have their height, weight, and waist measured
  • Answer questions about puberty
  • Provide a small hair sample
  • Complete an MRI scan while doing a computer task that asks them to think about different types of thoughts and answer questions about them
  • Complete a computer game where they make choices to try to earn points
  • Complete other scans that take pictures of the brain and measure how it works

  For adolescents who could become pregnant, study staff will also ask questions about pregnancy status.

Participants can receive up to $140 for taking part in the study.

Participants may use Uber or Lyft, and the study team will reimburse the cost of transportation.

The study takes place in the Pittsburgh area.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.