Welcome to the Depression Studies Page

CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU

Personality, Affect, Interactions, and Risk for Suicide (PAIRS) Study

Are you between the ages of 18-35? You may be able to participate in a study that understand how certain types of social interactions influence mood, decision-making, and biological responses that may contribute to risk for suicidal behaviors among young adults.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 4 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 4 months

VISITS: 2 remote 1 in-person

Location

LOCATION: Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: up to $105

DEAR Study (Daily Emotions and Relationships)

Have you had recent suicidal thoughts or behaviors and are you currently receiving treatment for a mood or behavioral disorder? Are you aged 18-35? If so, you may be eligible for a research study to help better understand how daily emotions and experiences affect mood symptoms and suicide risk over time. Compensation provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Other Mental Health and Behavior

And 1 more area

Age Range

AGE: 18 - 35

Duration

DURATION: Up to 1 year

VISITS: 4-6 visits

Location

LOCATION: Sterling Building - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $750

CLAP Study – Adults with Bipolar Disorder

Do you have bipolar disorder? Are you 18-45 years old? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand how the brain functions in people with mood disorders. Compensation provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Age Range

AGE: 18 - 45

Duration

DURATION: 1 year

VISITS: Up to 5 visits

Location

LOCATION: McKee Place (Oakland) & UPMC Presbyterian Hospital

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $340

Neurofeedback for Borderline Personality Disorder Study

Are you 18-55 years old and been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to find out if an intervention called neurofeedback can improve symptoms in people with borderline personality disorder. Participation involves interviews, questionnaires, and MRI scanning. Compensation provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 4 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 3 months

Location

LOCATION: Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $230

SERS (Sleep Enhancement Research Study)

Are you ages 18-25 and typically experience sleep disturbance? Do you have symptoms of anxiety or depression? You may be able to participate in a study to examine whether playing quiet tones during sleep enhances deep sleep for people with anxiety and depression symptoms. This study involves 1 daytime visit and 2 overnight visits in a sleep lab. Compensation is provided.

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 3-4 weeks

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $200

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

TECH-E: Randomized Controlled Trial of MoodRing - Parent

Are you the parent/guardian of a child age 12-18 who has depression? Does your child read and understand English and have a smartphone? If so, you and your child may be able to participate in a research study to see how technology might help with depression. Participation involves both child and parent/guardian over 6 months, completion of online surveys, and possible testing of a smartphone app.

Healthy Volunteer

Age Range

AGE: 18 and over

Duration

DURATION: 6 months

Location

LOCATION: Phone or Videoconference

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $100

Anhedonia, Development, and Emotions: Phenotyping and Therapeutics (ADEPT) Study

Does it feel like nothing is fun anymore? Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a study in adolescents and young adults to understand depression and how to change it. This study could help develop treatments for people whose depression does not improve with traditional treatments. Compensation provided.

Age Range

AGE: 18-25 years of age

Duration

DURATION: 1 year

VISITS: 4 in-person visits with MRI scan and blood draw

Location

LOCATION: CMU-Pitt BRIDGE Center - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $2530 + transportation

Alcoholic Hepatitis Network Observational Study - Heavy Drinkers

Do you actively consume alcohol - do you consume at least 20 drinks per week (women) and at least 30 drinks per week (men) and have no known history of liver diseases? Participants will undergo a physical exam, blood draws, provide urine and stool samples, and complete questionnaires.

Bipolar Disorder

And 9 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 1 year

VISITS: 2 - 1 hour visits

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Montefiore

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $50

Familial Pathways Study (FamPath): The Role of Inflammation and Stress in Youth Suicidal Behavior

Are you 18-30 years old and have a diagnosis of mood disorder? You may be eligible to participate in a study to learn more about the role of biological markers of suicidality that may run in families and brain inflammation in suicidal behavior in young adults. Studies suggest increased inflammation is associated with suicidal behavior. Compensation provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 5 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 12 months

VISITS: 4 visits

Location

LOCATION: Oakland - Bellefield Towers

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $750

Odor-Cued Neurofeedback Study

Are you 18-55 years old and currently diagnosed with depression? You may be able to participate in a study that involves recalling memories from your life based on either smells or words. Participation involves 1 in-person visit where you will complete some forms and recall memories in response to either odor or verbal cues. Compensation is provided.

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 1.5 hours

Location

LOCATION: Oxford Building - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $40

Constellation Depression Neuroimaging Study

Are you 18-60 years old? Do you often feel down, low, or depressed? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand brain changes that occur over time in people with depression. Participation includes interviews, questionnaires, behavioral/computer tasks, brain scanning, and, for some participants, an optional ketamine infusion. Compensation provided.

Featured Research

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 5 weeks

VISITS: Up to 6 in-person & 3 remote

Location

LOCATION: Oxford Building, UPMC Montefiore Hospital, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland & Online

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $270

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

Post-Stroke Study

Are you age 60 or older? Have you had a stroke? You may be able to participate in a study to explore how making changes to morning routines might improve the quality of life for survivors of stroke. Participation involves meeting with a health coach for 4 weeks to help achieve sleep and activity goals, which may also improve mood. Participation can be completed at home. Compensation is provided

Other Wellness and Lifestyle

Age Range

AGE: 60 and up

Duration

DURATION: 6 weeks

Location

LOCATION: Oxford Professional Building - UPMC or Online & by phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $100

PROTECT Depression Research Study

Are you age 55 or older and currently depressed? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help understand why some people become depressed and have thoughts of hurting themselves, but others do not. At this time, all study visits will take place by phone or online. Compensation provided.

Featured Research

Age Range

AGE: 55 and older

Duration

DURATION: 4 years

VISITS: 2-3 interview sessions with yearly follow-ups

Location

LOCATION: This study has temporarily switched to remote visits, but participants will need to travel to Oakland for visits once stay-at-home orders are lifted.

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $100 to $150

NEMO Late-Life Depression Study

Are you age 60 or older and currently experiencing symptoms of depression? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study designed to help learn more about brain function during treatment with antidepressant medication. Some study visits may be completed remotely. Compensation and parking provided.

Age Range

AGE: 60 and older

Duration

DURATION: Up to 20 weeks

VISITS: Multiple

Location

LOCATION: Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic & UPMC Presbyterian

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $450 including travel reimbursement

Tension, Anxiety & Brain Imaging (TABI) study

Do you feel sad or depressed? Are you 30-50 years old? Do you work at least 20 hours per week? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to help learn more about how the brain functions when people with depression experience stress. Compensation provided.

Age Range

AGE: 30 - 50

Duration

VISITS: Up to 3 visits

Location

LOCATION: Loeffler Building and/or UPMC Presbyterian Hospital

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $640

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

The Alcohol Survey Knowledge (ASK) Study

Are you between the ages of 21 and 60 and would you say that you have been a heavy drinker (i.e. 4 or 5 drinks twice/month for a three month period) within the past 2 years? You may be able to participate in a research study that will help to understand how people describe their experience with impaired control over alcohol use.

Bipolar Disorder

And 9 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 1 Hour

VISITS: 1 visit

Location

LOCATION: Teams (i.e., virtually) or at the Youth and Family Research Program Lab

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $100

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

MyPaTH Story Booth 2.0

Interested in sharing your story about health, illness, or research? Patients and caregivers are needed to participate in a research study to help learn more about topics that are important to you and that may improve health and health care. Participation involves one 45-minute session that takes place over the phone. Eligible participants must be able to read and understand English.

And 155 more areas

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

DURATION: 45 minutes

VISITS: 1 visit or phone call

Location

LOCATION: By phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: NONE

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

MyPaTH Story Booth – COVID-19 Stories

Participants are invited to share how they are maintaining their health during the coronavirus pandemic, or to share what it is like being ill with COVID-19 and/or caring for a loved one who is ill with COVID-19. Participation in this research study involves one 45-minute session that takes place over the phone. Eligible participants must be able to read and understand English.

And 155 more areas

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

DURATION: About 45 minutes

VISITS: No in-person visits

Location

LOCATION: By phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: NONE

Pain in the Brain Study for Individuals with Suicidal Thoughts and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

Have you recently had suicidal thoughts and engaged in non-suicidal self-injury, such as cutting? Are you aged 18-24? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand why some people harm themselves on purpose and to learn more about how physical pain and emotional pain may be related in the brain. Compensation provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 1 more area

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 4 months

VISITS: 1 in-person & 1 remote

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Online, and By Phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $170

Pain in the Brain Study for Individuals with Suicidal Thoughts

Have you recently had suicidal thoughts and are aged 18-24? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand why some people think about suicide and to learn more about how physical pain and emotional pain may be related in the brain. Eligible participants have never injured themselves on purpose. Compensation provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Other Mental Health and Behavior

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 4 months

VISITS: 1 in-person & 1 remote

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Online, and By Phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $170

Neurofeedback Study for Treatment Resistant Depression

Are you 18-55 years old and depressed? Have you taken at least 2 antidepressant medications? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to find out if an intervention called neurofeedback can improve symptoms in people with treatment resistant depression. Participation involves interviews, questionnaires, and MRI scanning. Compensation provided.

Age Range

AGE: 18 - 55

Duration

DURATION: About 3 months

VISITS: 4 visits

Location

LOCATION: Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC & Pitt/CMU BRIDGE Center in Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $230

Brain Inflammation in Suicidal Behavior in Young Adults

Are you 18-30 years old and currently receiving mental health treatment? You may be able to participate in a study to learn more about inflammatory markers related to suicidal behavior in young adults. This study involves completing an interview and questionnaires, bloodwork, and an MRI and PET scan of the brain. Compensation is provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 4 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: Up to 6 months

VISITS: At least 1

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $270

Benzodiazepine Discontinuation Study

Are you currently receiving opioid maintenance treatment (methadone or buprenorphine)? And do you regularly take benzodiazepines (such as Valium, Klonopin, or Xanax) and are interested in discontinuing benzodiazepine use? You may be able to participate in a research study that will help you to slowly stop taking benzodiazepines by teaching you skills to help with withdrawal.

Bipolar Disorder

And 9 more areas

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

DURATION: 6 months

VISITS: 14 Visits

Location

LOCATION: 3501 Forbes Avenues, University of Pittsburgh – Oakland , UPMC Mercy, UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic

Compensation

COMPENSATION: up to $250

Thinking in the Real World and the Brain (TReW Brain) Study

Are you 20-45 years old? Does it sometimes feel like you have a hard time turning off your brain (having thoughts that play over and over again in your mind)? You may be able to participate in a study that aims to understand how certain kinds of thoughts change brain activity and real world experiences. Study procedures involve completing an interview and an fMRI scan. Compensation is provided.

Other Brain and Nervous System

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: Approximately 3-6 weeks

Location

LOCATION: Sennott Square or via Zoom & Pitt-CMU BRIDGE Center - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $377

Observational Depression Study

Are you age 18-74, tried an antidepressant but still have symptoms of depression? Is your doctor thinking about adding another antidepressant medication? You may be eligible to participate in a study about people’s experiences with their current antidepressant treatment. The study involves completing interviews every three months for one year and undergoing 3 blood draws. Compensation provided.

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 13 months

VISITS: Approximately 6

Location

LOCATION: Bellefield Towers - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $204

TREND Study

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 26, with current depression are needed for a research study to help understand how a brain stimulation technique, Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS), may contribute to enhancing positive affect in young adults with depression. This study involves an interview and questionnaire, computer tasks, brain stimulation, and brain imaging scans. Compensation provided.

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 5 months

VISITS: 12 visits

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital & MR Research Center, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Yes

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

MAPS Research Study – Teens Age 18

Are you an 18 year old who has been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or substance use disorder? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to help find out if smartphone technology can be used to better understand suicidal thoughts and behaviors in high-risk teens. Compensation provided.

And 2 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 6 months

VISITS: No in-person visits required

Location

LOCATION: Online and By Phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $625

All of Us Pennsylvania Research Program

You may be able to change the future of medicine. The All of Us PA Research Program is enrolling adults 18 years of age or older. This may be your chance to improve how your children and your children’s children receive medical care.

And 152 more areas

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

VISITS: one in person visit

Location

LOCATION: Convenient locations near you including Altoona, Monroeville, North Hills, Oakland, Philadelphia, Shadyside, the South Hills and more!

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $25.00 gift card

DYADS Study – Cisgender Heterosexual Individuals Ages 18-30

Are you a heterosexual cisgender (that is, not transgender) individual age 18-30? Have you experienced suicidal thoughts in the past 6 months? You may be able to participate in a study of emotions and experiences in young adults. Eligible participants must have a close friend who would be willing to participate in two brief lab visits. Compensation is provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Other Mental Health and Behavior

Age Range

Gender List

SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH: Female, Male

Duration

DURATION: Approximately 6 months

VISITS: 4 (virtual options available)

Location

LOCATION: Loeffler Building, Sennott Square, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital – Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $815 & $25 for friend

DYADS Study – Individuals who identify as LGBTQ+

Are you 18-30 years old and identify as LGBTQ+ (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning)? Have you experienced suicidal thoughts in the past 6 months? You may be able to participate in a study of emotions and experiences in young adults. Eligible participants must have a close friend who would be willing to participate in two brief lab tasks. Compensation is provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Other Mental Health and Behavior

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: Approximately 6 months

VISITS: 4 (virtual options available)

Location

LOCATION: Loeffler Building, Sennott Square, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital – Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $815 & $25 for friend

FIT BOLD Research Study

Did you recover from depression in the past two years? Are you age 60 or older? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand how lifestyle modification affects the brain in recently depressed older adults. Participants will take part in one of two healthy lifestyle programs, each facilitated by a personal coach. Compensation and travel reimbursement is provided.

Featured Research

And 1 more area

Age Range

AGE: 60 and up

Duration

DURATION: About 9 months

VISITS: Multiple

Location

LOCATION: Bellefield Towers, Kaufmann Building, Sennott Square, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Oxford Building

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $340 & travel cost reimbursement

Chronic Low Back Pain with Mood Symptoms Study

Have you had chronic low back pain for at least six months and also have depression or anxiety symptoms? Are you aged 18-75? You may be able to participate in a research study to compare antidepressant medication and physical therapy for people with chronic low back who also have anxiety and depression symptoms. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

And 3 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 8 months

VISITS: 6-12 visits in the first 4 months

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Pain Medicine Clinic - Shadyside, Online, & by Phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $220 & public transportation reimbursement

The Rembrandt Study – Ages 60 and up with Depression

Are you aged 60 or up and currently depressed? You may be able to participate in a two-part research study. During the first part of the study, a clinician will provide treatment for your depression. If your depression responds to treatment, you may enroll in the second part of the study to help understand why some people have a recurrence of depression and others do not. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

DURATION: About 2 years and 5 months total

VISITS: Up to 12 clinical sessions and 6-9 phone calls

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic & UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $1190

The Rembrandt Study

Were you recently treated for depression and experienced an improvement in your symptoms? Are you aged 60 or older? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand why some people experience a return of depression after successful treatment and others do not. Participation includes MRI scanning, memory testing, and other assessments. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Age Range

AGE: 60 and up

Duration

DURATION: 2 years

VISITS: 5-8 clinical sessions & 6-9 phone calls

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic & UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $990

DIAMOND Brain Imaging Study – Adults Experiencing Emotional Distress

Are you experiencing emotional distress? Are you aged 18-30? You may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about brain structure and function in young adults. Eligible participants are willing and able to undergo MRI scanning and are right-handed. Compensation is provided.

Other Mental Health and Behavior

Age Range

AGE: 18 - 30

Duration

Location

LOCATION: Loeffler Building & UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $365 & bus tickets/parking fees provided

RAISE Study

Are you 18-55 and currently depressed, but have not yet started treatment? If so, you may be able to participate in a study to look at brain mechanisms that lead to recovery from depression. This study involves 4 visits over a month that may include transcranial magnetic stimulation and fMRI scanning. Compensation is provided.

Age Range

AGE: 18 - 55

Duration

DURATION: About 1 month

Location

LOCATION: 1 Virtual Visit, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $475

PRISM Study - Recent Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors

Have you had recent suicidal thoughts or behaviors? Are you 18-30 years old? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about brain activity in people with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Compensation is provided.

Age Range

AGE: 18 - 30

Duration

DURATION: 9 months

VISITS: Up to 5 visits

Location

LOCATION: Bellefield Towers - University of Pittsburgh & Scientific Imaging and Brain Research Center (SIBR) - Carnegie Mellon University

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $385

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

WELL Study – COVID-19

Are you 60 or older? Did your spouse or partner pass away as a result of COVID-19 in the last 12 months? You may be able to participate in a research study about health behaviors and mood in bereaved older adults. Study participation involves 7 visits (online or by phone) over 15 months and includes recording daily activity, mood, diet, and sleep behaviors for 12 weeks. Compensation is provided.

Remote Research

Age Range

AGE: 60 and up

Duration

DURATION: 15 months

VISITS: 7 virtual visits or phone assessments

Location

LOCATION: Online or by phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $250

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

EASY Research Study – Ages 18-24

Are you an 18-24 year old who has recently accessed emergency or crisis services for behavioral health related issues? If so, you may be able to take part in a research study to help better understand how to assess mood, behaviors, and suicide risk in young adults. This study involves four online or phone sessions over about one year. Compensation is provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 5 more areas

Age Range

AGE: 18 - 24

Duration

DURATION: 1 year

VISITS: 4 (no in-person visits)

Location

LOCATION: Online & By Phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $125

Adolescent Attention to Emotion Study – Mothers with a History of Depression

Are you the mother of a teen girl aged 13-15? Have you experienced depression during your daughter’s lifetime? If so, you and your daughter may be eligible to participate in a research study to help learn more about how girls pay attention to emotional information and how this is related to their risk for developing emotional disorders. Compensation provided.

Age Range

AGE: 21 - 65

Gender List

SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH: Female

Duration

DURATION: 3-4 hours per visit

VISITS: 3-4 (evening hours available)

Location

LOCATION: Oxford Building & Sennott Square – Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Yes

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

SOVA Study for Adults with Depression/Anxiety

Are you an adult age 18-26 who is currently experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, or has in the past? If so, you may be able to help researchers build an online peer support community for depressed and anxious young adults. This study is done entirely online.

Remote Research

Age Range

AGE: 18 - 26

Duration

DURATION: Up to participant

Location

LOCATION: Online

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Blogging ambassadors will be compensated

RELATED RESEARCH AREAS:

Mental Health and Behavior