The goal of this project is to engage more families of children with CHD8 mutations with a novel online platform (GroopIt) and to empower families to be partners in research. We are utilizing a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to enable families to identify research priorities. Through an established Facebook group for CHD8, families will be surveyed to prioritize research topics of interest that were identified in previous focus groups, such as parenting stress or gastrointestinal problems. The use of the updated GroopIt platform as an innovative, online tool will increase both the engagement and accessibility of research to families of children with rare genetic disorders associated with ASD.
Geographic Area: National
Development of F-18-Labeled Radiotracers for PET Imaging of Brain Alpha1A Adrenoceptor: A Tool for Precision Medicine in PTSD
Prazosin, a drug that prevents the neurotransmitter norepinephrine from binding to its alpha1 receptor (alpha1-AR) subtype has shown efficacy in reducing PTSD symptoms in most, but not all, studies of trauma-exposed Service Members, Veterans, and civilians. However, it is not effective in all patients and its use is complicated by variability in effective doses, a short duration of action, and frequent orthostatic hypotension at dose initiation.
We propose to develop a fluorine-18-labeled radiotracer for PET imaging of brain alpha1A-ARs (implicated in the pathophysiology of PTSD) in human subjects so as to create a PET-based method to identify alpha1A-AR blocking drugs that are more broadly effective and lack the shortcomings of prazosin. Displacement of radiotracer binding by drug candidates will allow assessment of their actions at brain alpha1A-ARs and facilitate the development of novel PTSD therapeutics.
All Patients Safe
All Patients Safe, an interactive, online suicide prevention training that meets Washington State’s licensure requirements for health care providers, has trained nearly 1900 providers to date. The training provides practical skills for medical professionals, perspectives of real patients, and concrete steps for practice change. Partners in development include the AIMS Center, Forefront Suicide Prevention, the Department of Family Medicine, Seattle Children’s, the VA, and CoMotion.
Gender Exploration of Neurogenetics and Development to Advanced Autism Research (GENDAAR 2.0)
The GENDAAR 2.0 study is part of the Autism Center of Excellence (ACE Network), which includes researchers from across the country. The main goal of this follow up study is to investigate the transition through adolescence and into young adulthood. We aim to identify sex differences in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and look at their brain development during this important transition. We will compare the data collected with individuals with ASD, to siblings of children with ASD and children with no family history of ASD. We will use a variety of methods: neuropsychological testing, EEG, fMRI, and genetics. By learning more about sex differences, we aim to improve techniques for diagnosis and interventions.
Clinical study of cannabidiol in children and adolescents with Fragile X (CONNECT-FX) & Open-Label Extension (CONNECT-FX OLE)
To evaluate the efficacy of ZYN002 administered as a transdermal gel formulation, for up to 12 weeks, in patients ages 3 to <18 years, in the treatment of symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS).
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of Arbaclofen in subjects with 16p11.2 deletion (16p del)
To examine the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of arbaclofen for the treatment of neurodevelopmental impairments in subjects with 16p11.2 deletion
HIPPOCRATIC App study
The overall goal of this project is to develop a cell phone app that provides continuous assessment of Warfighter health readiness in real time. We are a subcontractor to Warfighter Analytics using Smart Phones for Health (WASH) program and Charles Rivers Analytics for the subject recruitment portion of the overall project.
The UW objective is to recruit 25,000 participants from across the United States to test a newly designed cell phone app named Health & Injury Prediction and Prevention Over Complex Reasoning and Analytic Techniques Integrated on a Cell Phone App (HIPPOCRATIC App) which gathers real-time data measuring an individual’s latent or developing health disorders with a focus on infectious disease and traumatic brain injury. The app is being developed to more effectively assess Warfighter combat/mission readiness and faster, more targeted healthcare delivery for both civilians and Warfighters.
Building capacity
This study will expand and enhance training in evidence-based psychosocial interventions (EBPIs) by designing and testing a computerized training program that is based on adaptive training algorithms. We hypothesize that by simplifying training and supplementing classroom curriculum, we can enhance clinical ability to deliver treatment more competently, more quickly, and with a higher quality of care.
Mobile RDoC: Using smartphone technology to understand Auditory Verbal Hallucinations (AVH)
Using a mobile data collection system that leverages smartphone technology to capture an abundance of time-varying information both passively (i.e., behavioral sensing) and actively (e.g., Ecological Momentary Assessment or EMA) we aim to: 1) Evaluate whether need for care is associated with real-time/real-place AVH experience; 2) Examine relationships between baseline demographic and functional variables, time-varying social and contextual factors, and AVH; 3) Test relationships posited in a cognitive model of AVH.
Developing digital health resources for young adults with early psychosis and their families
This multi-component project aims to (1) gather information about the digital-health related needs, interests, and preferences of young adults with early psychosis and their families, and (2) develop digital health resources that meet those needs. We have collaborated with colleagues to identify interests and needs of family caregivers, and are currently surveying affected young adults. We are also working with a software developer to build a Beta version of a family caregiver-facing mobile health tool providing relevant support and psychoeducation.
