Scientists work to sharpen brain scans for future mental health breakthroughs
NCT ID NCT01266577
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 25, 2026 · Updated 7 times
Summary
This study aims to improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) techniques to better see and measure brain chemicals. Researchers will scan 300 healthy adults aged 18 to 65 to test and refine these imaging methods. The goal is to develop more accurate tools for studying brain activity and chemistry, which could help future research on psychiatric conditions.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to better imaging tools for studying brain chemistry, which may help future research on psychiatric illnesses.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage methods development study with no direct treatment or health benefit. It only involves healthy volunteers and focuses on improving technology, not curing any disease.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 300 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2011
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government research agency
The lead sponsor is the US National Institutes of Health.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: * 18-65 years of age * able to give written informed consent * healthy based on medical history and physical exam * enrolled in Protocol 01-M-0254 or Protocol 17-M-0181 EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Any current Axis 1 diagnosis * Clinically significant laboratory abnormalities * Positive HIV test * Metallic foreign bodies that would be affected by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet, or fear of enclosed spaces likely to make the subject unable to undergo an MRI scan. * History of neurological illness or injury with the potential to affect study data interpretation, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson s disease, seizure disorder or traumatic brain injury * Inability to lie flat on camera bed for about two and a half hours * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Current substance use disorder based on DSM-5 * NIMH employees and staff and their immediate family members will be excluded from the study per NIMH policy.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITINGBethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
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