Deep Phenotyping of Interoception in Adolescence: Making the imperceptible perceptible
This research study examines “interoception” — your ability to perceive internal sensations. Across four visits, participants will do computer tasks, undergo an MRI scan, and engage in breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation in virtual reality. We aim to characterize the ability of adolescents with OCD, anxiety, and anorexia to sense their internal state, compared to adolescents without these conditions. We hope that our findings in this study will pave the way toward better treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions. (PI: Joseph McGuire, Ph.D.; IRB00447147)
Am I eligible to participate?
- be between 12-17 years of age
- with or without OCD, Anorexia Nervosa, or an anxiety disorder
- English speaking
Overview of Study Procedures
Phone Screen
The phone screen will allow us to learn more about your child to help us determine if the study will be a good fit. The initial intake phone call may take up to 30 minutes.
Visit 1
At the initial visit to the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore campus, you and your child will complete an interview to determine full eligibility. If eligible, you and your child will fill out several questionnaires, and your child will do several computer tasks. During the tasks, their heart rate, respiration, and skin conductance will be measured.
Visit 2
During the second visit, your child will be administered questionnaires and complete some of the same computer tasks. Your child will also undergo an MRI scan, during which their gut activity will be measured.
Visit 3 and 4
During the third and fourth visits, you and your child will answer some additional questionnaires, and your child will also complete VR tasks such as breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation, in addition to computer tasks.
Funding Source: Tiny Blue Dot Foundation; COACH Gift Fund (made possible by generous donations from patients, participants, and families who have received care through our program)
JHU COACH 