Brain, Emotions, and Mind-Wandering

Description

Mood lability is an important transdiagnostic problem that is associated with poor psychosocial function and suicidal thoughts, and is a predictor of mood disorder onset, especially in youth at familial risk. Thus, particularly in youth with a family history of mood disorder, an intervention to target mood lability during a key period of development could improve outcomes. This study will allow us to test neurobehavioral mechanisms of a mindfulness-based intervention to target mood lability in early adolescents at high risk for developing mood disorders. Through this randomized controlled trial, the investigators will better understand how and for whom mindfulness interventions work, which will lead to more targeted interventions to improve emotion regulation during this key developmental period.

Conditions

Mood Disorders

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

Mood lability is an important transdiagnostic problem that is associated with poor psychosocial function and suicidal thoughts, and is a predictor of mood disorder onset, especially in youth at familial risk. Thus, particularly in youth with a family history of mood disorder, an intervention to target mood lability during a key period of development could improve outcomes. This study will allow us to test neurobehavioral mechanisms of a mindfulness-based intervention to target mood lability in early adolescents at high risk for developing mood disorders. Through this randomized controlled trial, the investigators will better understand how and for whom mindfulness interventions work, which will lead to more targeted interventions to improve emotion regulation during this key developmental period.

Neurobehavioral Targets of Mindfulness in Youth at Risk for Mood Disorders

Brain, Emotions, and Mind-Wandering

Condition
Mood Disorders
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Pittsburgh

Western Psychiatric Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Males and females between the ages of 11-14 years
  • * Parent or full biological sibling with major depressive disorder and/or bipolar I/II disorder
  • * Elevated mood lability, which is defined as \>10 on the Children's Affective Lability Scale (averaging the child and parent score).
  • * IQ\<70 or significant learning disability (which will make it difficult to participate in study procedures)
  • * Current or previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or autism spectrum disorder
  • * Current diagnosis of major depressive disorder
  • * Contraindications to scanning, including metal in the body (e.g. has braces or planning to get braces within the next 8 months)
  • * Suicidal or homicidal ideation within the past month
  • * Changed medications or medication doses (including psychotropic medications and/or hormonal contraceptives), or have started a new therapy, within the past two months.

Ages Eligible for Study

11 Years to 14 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Pittsburgh,

Danella Hafeman, MD, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Pittsburgh

Study Record Dates

2027-02-28