Lithium Study Frequently Asked Questions
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FAQ |
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Study: “Brain Lithium Levels in Bipolar Individuals”
Principal Investigator: Chris Streeter, M.D.
Study Coordinator: Cindy Xi
Collaborating Institutions: Boston University School of Medicine, McLean Hospital
What is the purpose of this study?
What are the qualifications for recruitment in this study?
What data will be collected for the study?
What do I have to do to participate in this study?
Are there any requirements for the MRI scan?
Will I be compensated for my time?
May I withdraw at any time?
Other questions?
What is the purpose of this study? return to top
The purpose of this research study is to determine how blood levels of lithium are related to brain levels of lithium. There is some evidence that the way the body takes in lithium differs between ethnic groups. Treatment for bipolar illness could be improved if it is shown that different groups of people have different levels of lithium in the brain even though the blood levels of lithium are the same.
What are the qualifications for recruitment in this study? return to top
-diagnosis with bipolar or schizoaffective disorder
-actively taking lithium to treat bipolar or schizoaffective disorder
-age between 18-54
-other criteria, which will be discussed in a telephone interview and at the screening session at Boston Medical Center
What data will be collected for the study? return to top
The amount of lithium in your brain will be measured by pictures taken of your brain using a brain imaging technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). This is very much like an x-ray without the radiation.
What do I have to do to participate in this study? return to top
1) A brief telephone interview will be administered. Conversations are confidential.
If you qualify for the screening,
2) You will have a screening evaluation at the Boston Medical Center to make sure that you are healthy enough to participate in the study procedures and that you meet all of the other requirements for admission. The screening session will take 2-3 hours. You will be asked questions about your medical and psychiatric history. You will also have a physical exam, routine blood tests, and some further blood work to test the level of lithium in your blood. If you are female, you will have a urine pregnancy test. We may ask that you sign a release for the review of your medical records and for us to speak with your treating team, if we need this form of information to establish that you are eligible for the study.
If you meet criteria for the study,
3) You will be invited to participate in a brain imaging session at the McLean Hospital Brain Imaging Center in Belmont, MA. This session will only take place after you have taken the same amount of lithium on the same schedule for a two-week period. This is the amount that you have been prescribed by your doctor, we do not ask that you change your dosage in anyway. The night before the imaging session, you will be asked to take your lithium dose between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. You will be asked not to take your next dose of lithium until after the imaging session the next morning.
The imaging session will take two to three hours. You will have a brief interview before the scan, if you are showing signs of mania or depression, you may be asked to reschedule your scan for another time. On the day of the imaging session, you will have a blood sample taken to determine your blood lithium level.
Are there any requirements for the MRI scan? return to top
For safety reasons, people with cardiac pacemakers, metal implants near vital structures, those with tattoos near their head and neck area, and women who are pregnant may not participate in this study.
Will I be compensated for my time? return to top
For completing the screening session, you will receive $50.00. For completing the imaging session, you will receive $70.00. If you are unable to make it either location on your own, cab transportation can be provided.
May I withdraw at any time? return to top
Yes, you are free to withdraw your consent and participation in this research study at any time without penalty, loss of benefits, or cost.
Other questions? return to top
Please call 617-638-8046 or email cindy.xi@bmc.org. Responses are Confidential.
