HRRC# 08-116

Title: Brain, Behavior, and Personality
Purpose of Study: This study will investigate how emotion and cognition are related to problem personalities and compared to healthy, non-problem personalities.

Protocol Summary: This study uses fMRI to examine brain function and structure; cognitive testing; and DNA collection to explore genetic influences on brain activity and behavior. You will also be asked to participate in a clinical interview where we ask you questions about your behavior, family, relationships, possible drug use, possible alcohol use, and possible criminal activity. The study time will range from 5-7 hours and participants will earn $15/hour, as well as receive a free picture of their brain (from the MRI).

Basic Eligibility Criteria: Must be able to meet MRI safety requirements, a male between the ages of 18-55 years old, and have no serious criminal or  substance abuse history. 
Contact information: Please call Kristin Macias at 505-272-4989 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HRRC# 06-408

Title: The Effects of CNR1 on Brain Function in Cannabis Users
Purpose of Study: This research will study the factors that may influence marijuana use.
Protocol Summary: This study will involve answering questions about your mood, personality, and substance use, over the phone and in the laboratory (1.5 hours) in addition to a brain scanning (MRI) session (3 hours). Participants will be compensated for their time.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Must be a CURRENT marijuana user, 18-50 years old, RIGHT handed, No non-removable metal in body.
Contact information: Please call Ursula Myers at 272-5143 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HRRC# 07-225

Title: Sensory Gating and Dual Diagnosis (SCAN)
Purpose of Study: The purpose of this research study is to investigate how the brain responds to sensory stimuli and where in the brain these responses occur in people with different medical conditions.
Protocol Summary: This study will look at brain activity in people who have been diagnosed and treated for substance abuse (either alcohol or drugs) and/or schizophrenia, and people who have not been diagnosed with either schizophrenia or alcohol/substance abuse. Participants will be compensated for their time.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Age 18-45
Contact information: 925-2369, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HRRC# 06-422

Title: Auditory Sensory Gating Using MEG
Purpose of Study: The purpose of this research study is to investigate how the brain responds to sensory stimuli and where in the brain these responses occur in people with different medical conditions.
Protocol Summary: This study will look at brain activity in people who have been diagnosed and treated for substance abuse (either alcohol or drugs) and/or schizophrenia, and people who have not been diagnosed with either schizophrenia or alcohol/substance abuse. Participants will be compensated for their time.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Age 18 or older
Contact information: 925-2369, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HRRC# 07-180

Title: Structural and Functional  Brain Connectivity
Purpose of Study: This study will examine brain connections in people.
Protocol Summary: Participation will involve pencil and paper tests and a brain scan (MRI) and/or brainwave measurement (EEG). Participants will be compensated for their time (approximately a 2-3 or 5 hour commitment).
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Normal healthy controls,  Females ages 31-40, Males ages 45-47
Contact information: 858-200-6887, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HRRC# 09-031

Title: Neural Mechanisms of Schizophrenia:  Use of Multiple Neuroimaging Tools to Examine Dysfunctions in Neural Integration.
Purpose of Study: This Center for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) will examine the neural mechanisms of schizophrenia by integrating multiple neuroimaging methods with psychiatric, neuropsychological and genetic testing.
Protocol Summary: The unifying theme for our COBRE is the study of schizophrenia as a disorder characterized by abnormalities in structural, functional, and effective connectivity between cortical and subcortical brain regions, producing abnormalities in the integration of information across distributed brain circuits. This COBRE is composed of four tightly integrated projects that will break new ground in schizophrenia research by combining neuroimaging data in a sophisticated and innovative way. Participants will be compensated for their time.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Participants will receive multiple brain scans throughout the course of this study. For this study we will be recruiting the following:
• Subjects with schizophrenia
• Healthy Normal Volunteers
Contact information: Please call 272-9544 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

HRRC# 07-325

Title: Alcohol Study
Purpose of Study: This research will study the factors that may influence alcohol use.
Protocol Summary: This study will involve answering questions about your mood, personality, and substance use, over the phone and in the laboratory (2.5 hours) in addition to a brain scanning (MRI) session (3 hours). Participants will be compensated for their time.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Must be a CURRENT drinker, 21-40 years old, RIGHT handed, No non-removable metal in body.
Contact information: Please call Brittny Gonzales at 272-6059 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HRRC# 07-226

Title: Multimodal Imaging of Neuronal Injury
Purpose of Study: This project uses functional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate neuronal changes following head trauma.  
Protocol Summary: Participants in this study will be paid $20 per hour (and get pictures of their brain) to perform visual and auditory tasks while undergoing an MRI scan (2-3 hours). Participants will also complete paper and pencil tests, answer questions about their mood and provide a saliva sample for genetic testing (an additional 2-3 hours). We ask that participants in this study are available to come back for a 3-month follow-up visit.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: 18-55 yrs of age, No history of serious medical or emotional problems
Contact information: 505-925-4074, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HRRC# 07-272

Title: FIRST (Functional Imaging Research for Schizophrenia Treatment) Project
Purpose of the Study: This purpose of this study is to evaluate and treat individuals in the early stages of a psychotic illness.
Protocol Summary: All patients will receive a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Those deemed appropriate for the longitudinal piece of the study will be seen at the UNM Psychiatry Research clinic for weekly to monthly appointments. Subjects followed in the study will receive ongoing medication and case-management services, as well as repeated quarterly brain scans and neuropsychological testing. The study will last approximately 12 months and is currently enrolling. Participants will be compensated for their time.
Basic Eligibility Criteria:
• Be between the ages of 15 and 40
• Have a DSM-IV diagnosis (to be determined) of schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorder (depressed type only)
• Have had psychotic symptoms of less than 2 years’ duration
• Have a lifetime antipsychotic exposure of less than 2 years.
Contact information: Please contact Tara Biehl at 272-9544 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HRRC# 08-049

Title: Aberrant Functional Connectivity in Psychosis
Purpose of Study: This study will investigate how brain activity may relate to behaviors in people who are experiencing psychosis.
Protocol Summary: This study uses EEG and fMRI to examine brain function and structure; cognitive testing; and DNA collection to explore genetic influences on brain activity and behavior. You will be asked questions about your mood and health history. This study requires multiple visits over a 12-week period. Participants will earn $15/hour and receive a free MRI.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Must be able to meet MRI safety requirements, be between the ages of 12-60 years old, and be experiencing current psychotic symptoms. Subjects can not current substance abuse. 
Contact information: Please call Julia Kreger at 505-925-4946 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HRRC# 06-410

Title: EARLY: Early Assessment and Resource Linkage for Youth
Purpose of Study: The primary goal of the EARLY Program is to identify and treat adolescents and young adults who are experiencing changes in their thoughts, behavior, or emotions that might be associated with developing a psychotic illness.  
Protocol Summary: Potential participants and their families will be asked to make several appointments for interview evaluations, where they will be asked questions about mood and health history. Treatment, which may include psychosocial interventions and medication, will be provided for those individuals who are at highest risk for developing psychosis. In addition, participants may choose to be a part of a brain imaging substudy that uses MRI to pinpoint brain regions that may be overactive or underactive in individuals experiencing the early signs of psychosis.  Participants will be compensated for their time.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Adolescents and young adults must be experiencing changes in their thoughts or behavior that might be associated with the early signs of psychosis.  Participants must be between the ages of 12-25 and live within certain areas of Bernalillo County. Please call for more details about eligibility.
Contact information: Please call 1-888-NM-EARLY (1-888-663-2759) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  You may also go to www.earlyprogram.org for more information about the program and symptoms of early psychosis.

HRRC# 08-224

12-18 YEARS OLD
Title: Brain, Behavior, and Personality in Adolescents
Purpose of Study: This study will investigate how emotion and cognition are related to problem personalities and compared to healthy, non-problem personalities.
Protocol Summary: This study uses fMRI to examine brain function and structure; cognitive testing; and DNA collection to explore genetic influences on brain activity and behavior. You will also be asked to participate in a clinical interview where we ask you questions about your behavior, family, relationships, possible drug use, possible alcohol use, and possible criminal activity. The study time will range from 5-7 hours and participants will earn $15/hour, as well as receive a free picture of their brain (from the MRI).  Participants between the ages of 12-17 must get parent or guardian consent before participating in the study.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Must be able to meet MRI safety requirements, be between the ages of 12-18 years old and have no serious criminal or  substance abuse history.
Contact information: Please call Kate Tremba at 505-925-6195 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HRRC# 06-409

Title: FIRST (Functional Imaging Research for Schizophrenia Treatment) Project
Purpose of the Study: This purpose of this study is to evaluate and treat individuals in the early stages of a psychotic illness.
Protocol Summary: All patients will receive a thorough diagnostic evaluation. Those deemed appropriate for the longitudinal piece of the study will be seen at the UNM Psychiatry Research clinic for weekly to monthly appointments. Subjects followed in the study will receive ongoing medication and case-management services, as well as repeated quarterly brain scans and neuropsychological testing. The study will last approximately 12 months and is currently enrolling. Participants will be compensated for their time.
Basic Eligibility Criteria:
• Be between the ages of 15 and 40
• Have a DSM-IV diagnosis (to be determined) of schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorder (depressed type only)
• Have had psychotic symptoms of less than 2 years’ duration
• Have a lifetime antipsychotic exposure of less than 2 years.
Contact information: Please contact Tara Biehl at 272-9544 or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HRRC# 08-049

Title: Aberrant Functional Connectivity in Psychosis
Purpose of Study: This study will investigate how brain activity may relate to behaviors in people who are experiencing psychosis.
Protocol Summary: This study uses EEG and fMRI to examine brain function and structure; cognitive testing; and DNA collection to explore genetic influences on brain activity and behavior. You will be asked questions about your mood and health history. This study requires multiple visits over a 12-week period. Participants will earn $15/hour and receive a free MRI.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Must be able to meet MRI safety requirements, be between the ages of 12-60 years old, and be experiencing current psychotic symptoms. Subjects can not current substance abuse. 
Contact information: Please call Julia Kreger at 505-925-4946 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HRRC# 06-410

Title: EARLY: Early Assessment and Resource Linkage for Youth
Purpose of Study: The primary goal of the EARLY Program is to identify and treat adolescents and young adults who are experiencing changes in their thoughts, behavior, or emotions that might be associated with developing a psychotic illness.  
Protocol Summary: Potential participants and their families will be asked to make several appointments for interview evaluations, where they will be asked questions about mood and health history. Treatment, which may include psychosocial interventions and medication, will be provided for those individuals who are at highest risk for developing psychosis. In addition, participants may choose to be a part of a brain imaging substudy that uses MRI to pinpoint brain regions that may be overactive or underactive in individuals experiencing the early signs of psychosis.  Participants will be compensated for their time.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Adolescents and young adults must be experiencing changes in their thoughts or behavior that might be associated with the early signs of psychosis.  Participants must be between the ages of 12-25 and live within certain areas of Bernalillo County. Please call for more details about eligibility.
Contact information: Please call 1-888-NM-EARLY (1-888-663-2759) or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  You may also go to www.earlyprogram.org for more information about the program and symptoms of early psychosis.

HRRC# 08-224

0-12 YEARS OLD
Title: CEREBRO - Comprehensive Evaluation of Relationships in Early Brain Response Overtime
Purpose of Study: This study uses MRI scans in conjunction with psychological developmental testing to track the growth rates of children from three months of age through five years of age.
Protocol Summary: Babies and their mothers will meet up to nine (9) times with study personnel through the five years of this study.  Participants are paid $50.00 for each MRI scan and developmental assessment; additionally, parents will receive CD recordings of scans and reports of their child’s development.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Healthy, full-term 3 month old babies with no major birth or health complications.
Contact information: CEREBRO Personnel at 505-515-4141 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

HRRC# 09-168

Title: Characterization of Multisensory Integration in Infants and Toddlers with Typical and Atypical Development
Purpose of Study: To identify changes in brain function due to atypical brain development as is seen in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
Protocol Summary: The study uses a completely harmless, non-invasive child MEG (babySQUID) system requiring the child to sleep or lay completely still with their head laying in a bowl-shaped head rest.  The data collection takes about ½ - 1 hour.  In addition, there will be clinical behavioral testing with a licensed child psychologist, an awake behavioral test looking at how the child responds to similar touch and sound stimuli, collection of hair and finger nail samples, and an optional collection of saliva samples for collection of DNA.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: The child is 0-11 years of age and either normally developing, diagnosed with autism, or diagnosed with a developmental delay. Currently we are focusing on recruiting children with developmental delay without a diagnosis of autism in the age range of 20-48 months.
Contact Information: Please contact Lucinda Romero at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (505) 272-5855.

HRRC# 07-140

Title: High Frequency Activity in Infants with Epilepsy
Purpose of Study: To evaluate high frequency activity identified in children with epilepsy, which can help provide important information about where seizures are generated in the brain.
Protocol Summary: Attend at least one non-invasive and completely harmless neuroimaging session using MEG.  
Basic Eligibility Criteria: The child is less than 7 years of age and has been diagnosed with epilepsy or is developing normally. We prefer children with frequent interictal activity and an identifiable lesion on MRI, CT etc.
Contact Information: Please contact Lucinda Romero at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it call or (505) 272-5855.

HRRC# 08-057

Title: Multisensory Integration in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A Possible Biological Marker from MEG
Purpose of Study: To identify changes in brain function due to alcohol exposure during pregnancy in order to be able to identify these changes at a young age in order to improve long-term outcome.
Protocol Summary: The study uses a child MEG (babySQUID) system that is a completely harmless, non-invasive technique requiring that the child sleep or remain completely still with their head laying in a bowl-shaped head rest.  Data collection takes ½-1 ½ hours.  A separate testing session to obtain developmental measures from the child will also take place with a clinical neuropsychologist who interacts with the child through games.  If the child was exposed to alcohol during pregnancy, the child will also be seen by a medical doctor who specializes in identifying facial features associated with alcohol exposure to confirm diagnosis.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: The child is less than 5 years of age and either has been identified as being exposed to alcohol during pregnancy or is developing normally.
Contact Information: Please contact Lucinda Romero at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it call or (505) 272-5855.

HRRC# 08-529

Title: Characterization of Mirror Neuron System in Infants with Typical and Atypical Development
Purpose of Study: To study the development of imitation and motor skills in normally developing healthy newborns through 3 years of age.
Protocol Summary: The baby will be placed on the bed of the babySQUID MEG system, which is a non-invasive, harmless, and completely safe technique requiring that the baby lay with their head resting in the bowl-shaped headrest.  The baby will be engaged in two different conditions: the control, or resting period, in which the baby lays still, and the movement period, where the child will squeeze a pipette with the right hand. MEG measurements will be performed throughout the experiment for two sessions which will last 5 minutes each.  Data collection takes 10 minutes total, but the entire session takes between 30-60 minutes.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Newborn through 3 years of age; normally developing
Contact Information: Please contact Amanda Peters at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (505) 272-5855.

HRRC# 08-236

Title: Brite Study: Brain imaging of infants treated with erythropoietin
Purpose of Study: Understand development in premature children compared to those born on time. Through this work we hope to develop treatments that prevent brain injury that occurs in some premature children.
Protocol Summary: Children undergo several hours of developmental testing, give a saliva sample for gene analysis, and have an MRI scan. The scan is done while the child is asleep, so scanning usually occurs at the child's usual bedtime. Participants receive a copy of the MRI scan, a summary of the developmental assessment, and are compensated for their time.
Basic Eligibility Criteria: Healthy term born children between 18 and 22 months old or between 3 and 4 years old, or children born very prematurely in the same age range
Contact information: Becky Montman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 272-0364

HRRC# 08-085