Patterns of Neurocircuitry Activation In Severe Asthma (PANISA)

Inclusion Criteria:

• Currently enrolled in Severe Asthma Research Program III (2012-0571) study
• Has severe asthma
• Is a male or female with no health concerns that might affect the outcome of the study
• Provided a negative urine pregnancy test prior to visit (Females only)
• Capable and willing to grant written informed consent and cooperate with study procedures and requirements (investigator discretion)
• Is able to tolerate a simulated functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging brain scanning session
• Is able to give valid informed consent to participate by signing and dating a written consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Uses psychotropic medication that might affect function of neurocircuitry implicated in our hypotheses (at the discretion of a study physician or Co-Investigator)
• Has one or more contraindications for functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Has needle phobia or claustrophobia
• Unable to distinguish specific colors used in Stroop task
• History of a diagnosed Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, or Schizoaffective Disorder
• Is a pregnant or lactating female
• Has had an upper or lower respiratory infection within 1 month of the visit
• Has unstable asthma as indicated by self-report of increased symptoms or increased beta-agonist use over the 2 weeks preceding the visit
• Is a current smoker (defined as smoked within the last year) or a former smoker with a history of >5 pack years
• Any condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, might interfere with participation in the study
• Inability or unwillingness to perform required study procedures