Young Adult Memory Study – Family History of Depression

STUDY BASICS

Are you 18-25 years old and do you have a parent or sibling with depression? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to help find out if brain activity while recalling memories is different in young adults with and without a family history of depression. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Depression is a serious illness that affects more than 1 in 20 Americans. Although the causes of depression are not fully understood, previous research has shown that people who have a family member with depression are more likely to develop depression than those who do not. The purpose of this study is to find out if brain activity while recalling memories is different in young adults with and without a family history of depression. Researchers hope their findings will lead to better treatments for people with mood disorders such as depression in the future.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 18-25
• No history of any psychiatric disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD
• Have a parent or sibling who has been diagnosed with depression
• Able and willing to undergo MRI scanning (not claustrophobic, no non-removable metal in your body, not pregnant)
• Have never had a stroke or a seizure
• Able to read and write in English

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves an initial phone call to find out if you are eligible for the study. Eligible participants will have 3 visits over 2 years. Visits 1 and 2 will take place over about one week, and visit 3 will be scheduled two years following your initial study visit. Visits will include interviews, questionnaires, and performing a task in an MRI scanner. You will also be asked to complete follow-up questionnaires online every three months for two years.