Clinical Research Directory

Investigating the Mechanisms of the Effects of Psilocybin on Visual Perception and Visual Representations in the Brain

The long-term objective of this project is to characterize how psilocybin affects visual perception and the brain's representation of the visual environment. It is known that psilocybin alters aspects of visual perception, but the underlying brain mechanisms contributing to these effects are poorly understood. The proposed work will address these questions in a large, diverse sample of healthy human subjects by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure the brain's responses to visual stimuli. The proposed research will document which brain areas mediate the effects of psilocybin. The technique of fMRI will be employed to measure brain activity in different brain areas while subjects are performing a visual perceptual task.

Sensory Perception in Children With Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by abnormal neuronal activity, affecting approximately 0.5-1% of children worldwide. It has significant social, psychological, and physical consequences, leading to impairments in cognitive, motor, and behavioral functions. Sensory processing disorders (SPDs) further contribute to these challenges, affecting children's ability to regulate and interpret sensory information, which impacts learning, daily functioning, and emotional regulation. SPDs are categorized into sensory modulation disorder, sensory-based motor disorder, and sensory discrimination disorder. Dunn's sensory processing model identifies four sensory profiles: low registration, sensory seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensory avoidance. Sensory modulation disorders, including sensory over-responsivity, under-responsivity, and seeking behaviors, can contribute to behavioral and functional difficulties in children with epilepsy. Existing studies on sensory processing in children with epilepsy are limited by small sample sizes and non-comprehensive assessments. This study aims to investigate sensory profiles and perception in a larger sample to enhance early detection and intervention strategies. Objectives: Evaluate sensory perception in children with epilepsy. Examine sensory profiles within this population. The study will include children aged 2-17 years meeting specific criteria. Data collection will involve demographic and epilepsy-related information (seizure onset, frequency, medication, comorbidities). A neurology specialist will assess cerebellar pathology. Sensory processing will be evaluated using the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM), a validated tool assessing sensory processing, balance, body awareness, ideation, and social participation. Based on prior studies, the required sample size is 34 participants. Statistical analyses will be performed using IBM SPSS v.26.0 and R v4.3.0. Normality will be assessed through graphical and statistical tests. Independent samples t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses will be applied where appropriate. The significance level is set at p\<0.05. This study will contribute to the understanding of sensory perception in children with epilepsy, addressing gaps in the literature and supporting clinical interventions to improve their daily functioning and well-being.