Scientists seek brain clues to impulsive and compulsive behaviors
NCT ID NCT04631042
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 9 times
Summary
This observational study aims to understand why some people are more impulsive or compulsive than others. Researchers will use brain scans, genetic tests, and behavioral surveys in 1,100 participants aged 6 to 80, including those with ADHD, OCD, autism, and conduct disorder. The goal is to identify brain and genetic features linked to these traits, which could inform future treatments.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 1,100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2022
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2031
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.
Who is studied
Individuals between 6 and 80 years of age with a wide range of impulsivity/compulsivity behaviors - ranging from normal to mildly/extremely impaired - will be recruited. No specific demographic groups will be targeted. Recruitment will be mainly done in the District of Columbia/Maryland/Virginia area, however some participants might travel from elsewhere.
- Ages
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6 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study. 2. Must be between 6 and 80 years of age. 3. Ability of participant to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: 1. Cognitively not capable of performing study procedures or lack of capacity to provide informed consent. Indications of a lack of cognitive capacity could include a known full-scale IQ under 70, or a history from the screening interview that implies global intellectual disabilities (e.g., placement in a school for children with intellectual disability etc.) 2. Very premature birth (i.e., birth before 32 weeks of gestational age). 3. Any known brain abnormalities (e.g., tumor, periventricular leukomalacia, microcephaly) or history of medical conditions known to affect cerebral anatomy (e.g., epilepsy, history of stroke, head injury with a loss of consciousness of one hour or more). 4. Psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia, psychosis not otherwise specified). 5. Dementia, or other conditions that, in the opinion of the investigators, would impede compliance or possibly hinder completion of the study. 6. Pregnant women. 7. Any other medical or psychiatric condition that in the opinion of the PI may confound study data/assessments. Additional exclusion criteria for optional MRI procedure: 1\. Individuals who are not able to receive an MRI (e.g., metal bioimplants, claustrophobia, inability to lie flat on their backs, pregnant women, and any other contraindications for MRI scanning according to the NMR Center MRI safety guidelines).
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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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