Research Centre: Monash Biomedical Imaging
Location: 770 Blackburn Road, Clayton 3168
Lead Doctor: Professor Alex Fornito
Ethics Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project #12692)

People show differences in several characteristics, such as personality traits, that may make some people more prone to conditions such as anxiety and depression. This study will use brain imaging, genetics, questionnaires, and other assessments to map the brain systems and genes that underlie risk and resilience for mental health problems. Findings from this study may assist in the development of improved diagnosis, early intervention, and treatment. Men and women aged 18 – 45 years old are invited to participate. Participants are asked to complete an online questionnaire and attend one study visit of approximately 7 – 8 hours. During the site visit, participants will complete cognitive testing, an interview, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Following the visit, participants will also be asked to take part in a daily experience sampling survey that takes 1 – 2 minutes per day for 28 days. Those enrolled will be compensated up to $250 for participating.

Click here to see the project explanatory statement.

• You will be compensated up to $250 for participating in this study.
• You will be helping researchers to better understand how to identify people at risk of psychiatric disorders.
• You will be helping researchers to potentially improve early detection and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders.
• You will be helping to advance medical research.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may withdraw at any time.
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by the law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

• Healthy adults aged 18 – 45 years old
• European ancestry (all 4 grandparents of European descent)
• First language is English
• Normal, or corrected to normal, vision
• Must be right-handed
• Must not have any metal in the body (mouth braces, medical implants, or permanent piercings)
• Must not have a history of frequent headaches or migraines, past seizures, concussions, or loss of consciousness that lasted more than 3 minutes
• Must not have any neurological disorder (e.g. epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia) or history of neurosurgery (e.g. removal of cyst or tumour, or implantation of a stent)
• Must not have a history of:
  • Exposure to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) within past 6 months
  • More than 2 weeks exposure to TMS within past year
  • More than 3 months continuous TMS at any point in your life
  • Any prior exposure to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
• Not currently pregnant or trying to conceive
• Have not taken hormone blockers, undergone hormone replacement therapy, or had gender-affirming surgery
• Able to attend 1 study visit at the research site
• Double vaccinated against COVID-19