Brain Imaging for Loneliness
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to explore how the brain represents feelings of connection and loneliness. Researchers will use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI, a type of brain scan) to understand why some people feel lonely even when they have relationships. Insights gained may help develop better ways to reduce loneliness and improve mental health. The trial seeks individuals who are safe to undergo MRI scans and are not currently taking psychiatric medication. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could lead to improved mental health solutions.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
Yes, you must stop taking any psychiatric medications to participate in this trial.
What prior data suggests that functional magnetic resonance imaging is safe for studying brain activity?
Research has shown that functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is generally safe for most people. When safety guidelines are followed, the risk of an fMRI scan is minimal. Many labs worldwide use this imaging type without major problems. However, if sedation is necessary, a small risk of over-sedation exists. Overall, fMRI is well-tolerated and does not pose major safety concerns.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it aims to unlock how social connections are represented in the brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Unlike other methods that study social interactions through behavior or surveys, fMRI allows scientists to see brain activity in real-time, offering a unique glimpse into the neural pathways involved in social bonding. By understanding these pathways, the trial could pave the way for new strategies to enhance social connectivity, potentially benefiting individuals with social disorders.
What evidence suggests that functional magnetic resonance imaging is effective for understanding loneliness?
Research shows that functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) effectively studies the brain by observing changes in blood flow. This technique reveals which brain areas activate when someone feels lonely. Previous studies have used fMRI to explore how the brain manages emotions and social connections. Although fMRI is not a treatment, it helps identify brain regions associated with loneliness. Understanding these areas can aid in developing future therapies to reduce feelings of loneliness.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Meghan Meyer, PhD
Principal Investigator
Columbia University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
fMRI Task Completion
Participants undergo fMRI while completing tasks reflecting on themselves and others, and report on subjective closeness
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for cognitive consequences of altered self and other representation in loneliness
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Columbia University
Lead Sponsor
Trustees of Dartmouth College
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator
Citations
Overview of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging - PMC
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is a class of imaging methods developed in order to demonstrate regional, time-varying changes in brain metabolism.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging
Functional magnetic resonance imaging or functional MRI (fMRI) measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow.
A comparison of the effectiveness of functional MRI analysis ...
Here we present a comparison of model-driven and data-driven analysis methods, specifically for the study of human pain processing.
Systematic review of functional magnetic resonance ...
A decade of fMRI development was examined in this study, with a particular emphasis on its use in diagnosing and assessing the efficacy of brain cancer ...
Review: The use of functional magnetic resonance imaging ...
Despite its many advantages, fMRI is not commonly included as a primary outcome measure in clinical trials, even in those investigating mental health disorders.
Quantification of Adverse Events Associated with ...
These results demonstrate the safety of repetitive fMRI scanning paradigms similar to those in use in many laboratories worldwide, as well as the safety rtfMRI- ...
Functional MRI (fMRI) of the brain
The MRI exam poses almost no risk to the average patient when appropriate safety guidelines are followed. If sedation is used, there is a risk of using too much ...
fMRI (Functional MRI): What It Is, Purpose, Procedure ...
Functional MRI (fMRI) is a type of MRI scan that can track blood flow to “see” brain activity. It's most often used for planning brain ...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) & Functional ...
As a result, MRI scanning is deemed to be safe for most people. Researchers in the brainSTIM Center often pair MRI data with 'neuronavigation' software in ...
Functional MRI with active, fully implanted, deep brain ...
The predominant safety concern with MRI in DBS patients is a potential rapid and harmful increase in tissue temperature close to the electrode tips due to ...
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