Research projects at the University of Calgary
Participate in research at the University of Calgary
Researchers from across the University of Calgary have ongoing research projects into child development. For more information on other research programs, visit the University of Calgary research participation page.
Research Projects
Cortical excitability and dopamine in ADHD
Many children are diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) every year. Our goal is to understand which parts of the brain relates to children's feelings of impulsiveness, restlessness, hyperactivity, and trouble paying attention. To understand how these feelings relate to parts of the brain, we will use neuroimaging and non-invasive brain stimulation, known as theta burst stimulation (TBS). TBS uses transcranial magnetic stimulation to change cortical activity in attempts to change attention and impulsivity. TBS can be given intermittently or continuously, which and increase or decrease the excitability of the brain.
All children (ages 10 to 16 years) with and without ADHD are invited to take part in the study. Participants will complete cognitive tasks before and after a TBS session (~15 to 20 minutes) one of three different stimulation protocols to the right frontal lobe. This will help investigate the effect of TBS stimulation on cognitive skills and cortical excitability in children with ADHD.
The study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB23-0047).
Sleep and Problem Behaviours in Children with Autism
Many children with Autism have difficulties with sleep. Sleep difficulties have been linked with irritability, and mood difficulties. We would like to learn more about how sleep difficulties and Autism symptoms relate to problem behaviours in children.
We are recruiting children age 6-12 years of age with Autism Spectrum Diagnosis. Parents will answer questions online relating to Autism symptoms and behaviour difficulties. We will then mail the family an actigraphy device to wear for 7 days and a sleep diary to complete while the child is wearing the device.
This study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB21-1601).
The purpose of this biobank is to collect stool, urine, saliva and blood (optional) samples and clinical data in order to study the microbes present in the gut in participants who have different mental and neurological disorders at 6 month intervals. Samples will be taken every 6 months for 2 years. How the microbiome changes over time and how that relates to mental health symptoms will be studied to inform possible treatment options.
Individuals ages 5 years and over with mood disorder (depression and bipolar disorder), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Eating Disorders or panic disorder are eligible.
The study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB21-0808).
Tailored Psychobiotics: A Microbiome Biobank for Mental Health Research
Perspectives of parents and students in the individual education plan
process
Has your school-age child just received a diagnosis? Will you be seeking special programming from their school?
We would like to hear about your experience as you navigate the school system following the diagnosis. To participate, we would want to interview you WITHIN ONE MONTH OF RECEIVING A DIAGNOSSIS for your child and then APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS LATER We want to know what is was like to receive the diagnosis, what you expect from the school, and what it was like to access special education services.
This study will provide a better understanding of parents needs as they navigate the special education system and how the special education process could be improved.
Participants will receive a $50 gift card for each interview.
MINDDful XD Microbiome Influences on Neurodivergent Brain Development
We know that both genetics and environmental factors play a role in the development and severity of neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, ADHD, OCD and Tourette syndrome. The gut microbiota helps to regulate how the immune system matures and how the brain develops and functions, in what is called the gut-brain axis. Because of this, we are interested in if there is also a similar association between these conditions and the gut microbiota in the hope that we can develop new treatments in the future. We are hoping to connect with families that have a neurodiverse child and an unaffected sibling (without a diagnosis) between the ages of 5 and 18, so that we can understand the relationships between neurodevelopment, behaviour, and the gut microbiota.
This study has three components:
-
An online survey for each child. It will ask about prenatal and perinatal history, medical diagnoses and medications, child behaviours, mental health, and diet. This survey usually takes 60 minutes to complete.
-
Each child will be asked to provide a stool sample. Samples are collected at home and couriered to our lab.
-
A short 15-minute telephone survey scheduled at your convenience. This interview will ask about medical history, gastrointestinal health, and tic behaviors.
Each child will receive a $60 Everything gift card for their time. This card allows you to choose your own gift cards from over 40 different retailers
Transcranial Magnetic Brain STimulation for ANxiety and Depression in youth: Brain STAND project
The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for the treatment and investigation of anxiety and depression in youth referred by their doctor.
TMS is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation that sends magnetic pulses to a specific brain area. If appropriate, participants will receive 20 sessions of either intermittent theta-burst TMS or repetitive TMS over 4 weeks (Monday-Friday). Participants and their parent/guardian will also be asked to complete a series of tasks and/or questionnaires asking about symptoms, quality of life, and medication use.
Inclusion criteria:
-
Aged 6-18 years
-
Referral from a medical professional for consideration of treatment for anxiety or depression as diagnosed by a medical professional (pediatricians, subspecialty pediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists, child psychologists)
-
Active anxiety and/or depression symptoms
-
If actively taking psycho-active prescription medication(s), no changes in medication for at least 3 months prior to entry into the study, with no anticipation of change in the frequency or dose over the duration of the study, unless changes to medication are required for participant safety.
Exclusion criteria:
-
Status epilepticus in past 12-months
-
Presence of disease, medical condition, or physical condition that, in the opinion of the study investigator may compromise, interfere, or limit the participant’s ability to complete the study
-
Hospitalization for suicide attempt within the past 3 months
-
TMS-related contraindications, such as implanted medical devices (e.g., pacemaker)
-
If actively taking prescription medication, no changes in medication for at least 3 months prior to entry into the study, with no anticipated change in the frequency or dose over the duration of the study, unless changes to medication are required for participant safety
-
Unable to understand instructions in English.
Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Sertraline vs. Placebo in the Treatment of Anxiety in Children and AdoLescents with NeurodevelopMental Disorders: The CALM Study
This randomized controlled trial is to see the effects of a drug called sertraline on anxiety in children and adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Conditions / Disorders (NDDs): including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tic Disorders, Fragile X syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, 22q11 deletions.
Though Sertraline has been studied in children, and adolescents with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and with major depression, research is needed to confirm whether sertraline can help improve anxiety in children and youth with NDDs.
To be eligible for this study, the participant needs to be:
-
8-17 years old
-
Female youth who are sexually active and agree to use birth control
-
Have at least one diagnosis of ASD, ADHD, Tic Disorders, or a genetic diagnosis of Fragile X, tuberous sclerosis or 22q11 deletions
-
Have at least one of the conditions: Separation Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or Unspecified Anxiety Disorder.
-
Have some ability to speak.
-
If already receiving treatments, must meet the following criteria:
-
If receiving medication, must be on a stable dose.
-
If already receiving stable non-pharmacological behavioural treatments, have stable participation during 3 months prior to screening and will continue after finishing this research.
-
-
Proficient in speaking and reading English
-
Parent(s) / caregiver(s) willing to complete questionnaires about their child/youth
%20-%20Physical%20Co.jpg)
