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
Survey: What do you think about at-home research visits?
Dr. Schmitt and the Cincinnati Fragile X Center are conducting a survey to learn about potential barriers and advantages of conducting research visits in the home.
Study: Single Dose Study for Adult Women and Men with FXS
Dr. Craig Erickson at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is conducting a clinical trial to learn about if medication can change the brain’s response to sound, which may be abnormal in FXS.
Project WellCAST: Caregivers of Children with Fragile X Needed for a Research Study
The Kelleher Lab at Purdue University is conducting an NIH-funded clinical trial called Project WellCAST. Project WellCAST aims to understand how to best support caregivers of children with rare neurogenetic conditions, including Fragile X syndrome.
Study: Language, executive function, and quality of life of those with the Fragile X premutation
Researchers at the Waisman Center at UW-Madison are recruiting adults with the Fragile X premutation for a study on language, executive function, and quality of life.
Views and Experiences of Caregiver Coaching in Early Childhood Speech-Language Services: A Survey of Caregivers and Speech-Language Pathologists
The Research in Developmental Disabilities and Language Lab at The University of Wisconsin-Madison is conducting a survey to learn about you and your child’s experiences in speech therapy during early childhood.
Study: Behavioural and Emotional Outcomes in individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (BEOND)
The Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders is conducting a survey to learn more about behaviour, social functioning, sleep, hyperactivity, mood, physical and mental health, as well as family functioning and wellbeing, and how these change over time.