Individuals with the Fragile X premutation are at an increased risk for depression, other psychiatric conditions, and developing Fragile X tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). Our goal is to better understand the different mechanisms within the brain that contribute to the development of psychiatric conditions, including depression. Doing so will allow us to establish better prevention and intervention efforts within this population.
Q: Who can take part in this study?
We are currently recruiting females between 18-60 who carry the FMR1 premutation.
Q: What will participation involve?
Participation involves four types of data collection:
- Web-based questionnaires.
- In-person assessments that involve responding quickly to shapes and viewing emotional stimuli.
- Gathering a variety of biological measurements such as brain activity (EEG and/or MRI), heart rate activity, and a blood draw.
- Interviews about your feelings and experiences.
Q: How will this project help the Fragile X community?
We hope that our data will impact the broader community of individuals with the Fragile X premutation and depression by improving our understanding of brain mechanisms and treatment needs.
Q: Will I need to travel?
All assessments and tests for this study are done in person and at Purdue in West Lafayette, Indiana. Travel reimbursement may be available for folks who are commuting more than 45 minutes from the Purdue campus.
Q: How can I get more information?
This project is led by Dr. Dan Foti and Dr. Bridgette Tonnsen in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Purdue University. To learn more, please complete the form below and they will contact you.
This study is funded by Purdue University and the Indiana Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute. Photo courtesy of Matthew Thomas of Purdue University.
NOTE: This study is not currently recruiting individuals.
Our Most Recent Opportunities
Study: Identifying Translational Sleep Biomarkers in Autism
The Manoach Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital is conducting a research study to explore brain activity during sleep and sensory processing in individuals living with Fragile X syndrome (FXS).
Single-Dose Study for Adult Men with FXS
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is looking for males ages 18-40 with FXS to participate in a single-dose clinical trial that is studying a drug called Gaboxadol.
Study: Somatic symptom development in 6-12 year old females with an FMR1 mutation (SoS Study)
Researchers at the New York State Institute for Basic Research are conducting a study to better understand the development of physical (somatic) symptoms in females living with and without an FMR1 gene variation.
Study: Web Intervention for Parents of Youth with Genetic Syndromes (WINGS)
Researchers at the Autism Assessment, Research, Treatment & Services (AARTS) Center at Rush University Medical Center are currently conducting a fully-virtual research study that is testing two telehealth interventions that are designed to help parents of children with genetic syndromes and intellectual disabilities gain strategies to manage challenging behaviors.
Neural Underpinnings of the Relationship Between Cognition and Gait Dysfunction in Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS)
Movement disorders researchers at Rush University Medical Center are conducting a research study to learn about brain activation in people living with FXTAS during tasks like walking and thinking. This study is currently recruiting adults ages 50+ who are living with FXTAS.
Pharmacogenomics and the Fragile X Community: Interest and Prior Understanding
Researchers at the University of Alabama are looking for members of the FX community to take their online survey so they can explore the knowledge & opinions of the FXS community on pharmacogenomic testing.