Alcoholism and Anxiety Study Frequently Asked Questions

Study: “Brain Lithium Levels in Bipolar Individuals”
Principal Investigator: Chris Streeter, M.D.
Study Coordinator: Devin Terhune
Collaborating Institutions: Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian 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

This study will investigate if brain Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) levels are different in people who have a problem with alcohol or anxiety. GABA is an important chemical in the brain. Many drugs like Valium work on the GABA system.

What are the qualifications for recruitment in this study? return to top

We are looking for individuals who are in one of three groups:
___1) a recently sober individual who has a problem with alcohol,
___2) a recently sober individual who has a problem with alcohol and anxiety or
___3) a control with no history of problems with alcohol or anxiety problems.

-age between 18-45

-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 GABA 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.

On the day of the scan, blood will also be drawn to test for nitric oxide, as a measure of stress, to see if subjects with problems with alcohol or anxiety have lower levels of nitric oxide than individuals with no history of alcohol or anxiety problems.

All females will have a progesterone level drawn on the day of the scan to allow menstrual stage to be determined. An additional tube of blood will be drawn and frozen. Any additional blood tests on this sample of blood will be approved by the Institutional Review Board. No genetic tests will be run on this blood.

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) The initial screening interview of 3 to 4 hours will cover information on your past medical, psychiatric, and family history; a physical examination will be performed during the screening session to determine eligibility. If you are female, you will have a urine pregnancy test.

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.

The imaging session will take two to four hours.

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 $25.00. For completing the imaging session, you will receive $75.00. 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 terhune@bu.edu. Responses are Confidential.