The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is recruiting 240 girls for a medical study.
The girls must be between the ages of 11 and 17 for a medical study that is taking place during the next three years. UAMS is looking for girls with no history of trauma or mental health disorders, as well as those who have been victims of physical or sexual abuse or who have used drugs or alcohol, according to a news release.
UAMS' Brain Imaging Research Center is studying how child abuse can affect brain function and increase the chances of developing a mental health disorder later in life. The study will involve the girls undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging during a variety of decision-making activities.
Interested participants can call (501) 526-4880.
The girls and their caregivers will be compensated for travel and parking, and will also be paid for participation.
Researchers want to learn how a child's brain responds to trauma in hopes of finding a way to help prevent trauma survivors from developing a mental health disorder. Past research has shown that youths who have experienced abuse or neglect are "significantly more likely" to develop post-traumatic stress disorder and abuse drugs and alcohol.
Metro on 06/26/2015