Welcome to the Depression Studies Page

CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU


RAD-SD Study

Are you 18 years of age and currently depressed? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to help researchers test a non-invasive and non-medication approach for improving mood that involves suppressing a part of sleep that is abnormal in depression. Involves an intake assessment and 3 overnight lab visits. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18

Duration VISITS:  1 intake visit and 3 overnight sleep visits
Location LOCATION:  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic


CLAP Study – Adults with Depression or Bipolar Disorder

Do you have depression or 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.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 45

Duration DURATION:  1 year
VISITS:  Up to 5 visits
Location LOCATION:  McKee Place (Oakland) & UPMC Presbyterian Hospital


PRISM Study – Adults Diagnosed with a Mental Health Disorder

Have you been diagnosed with a mental health disorder (ex., depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD), but have never had any 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 how brain activity is related to positive and negative emotions. Compensation 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


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


The FAB Study – Mothers With a History of Depression

Are you the birth mother of an 11-14 year old child? Have you experienced depression? If so, you and your child may be able to participate in a research study about how adolescents and their mothers respond to each other. Participation involves 3 in-person visits. You and your child will complete interviews, questionnaires, interactive tasks and activities, and a brain scan. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   21 - 64

Duration DURATION:  1 year
VISITS:  3 visits
Location LOCATION:  Oakland – Loeffler Building, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital


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 5 months
VISITS:  8 visits
Location LOCATION:  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC & UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland


User's Preferences on Privacy Protection Methods in Mobile Apps for Individuals with Depression

Are you 18-65 years old and do you have mild or moderate depression? Do you mind if other people know your mental health situation? Have you used smart devices (e.g., smart phone or tablet) for at least a few years? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to help researchers learn user’s preference on privacy protection methods in mobile health apps. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 65

Duration VISITS:  1 visit lasting about 1 hour
Location LOCATION:  Forbes Tower


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. Compensation and parking provided.

Age Range
AGE:   60 and Up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 20 weeks
VISITS:  Multiple
Location LOCATION:  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic & UPMC Presbyterian


Xtampza ER Study for Adults Who Have Difficulty Swallowing Pills

Do you take a prescribed opioid medication for chronic pain and are age 21-70? Do you have trouble swallowing pills? If so, you may be able to take part in a research study to find out if a pain medication called Xtampza ER is easier to swallow. Participants must be current patients of a UPMC Pain Medicine Clinic, or be willing to schedule an appointment with this clinic. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   21 - 70

Duration DURATION:  6 weeks
VISITS:  4 visits
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Pain Medicine Clinic - Centre Commons 5750 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206


MISO Study

Have you recently had suicidal thoughts or ever attempted suicide? Are you 18-45 years old? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about the effects of electrical brain stimulation on people who have suicidal thoughts. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 45

Duration DURATION:  2-3 hours per visit
VISITS:  2 visits
Location LOCATION:  Bellefield Hall or Loeffler Building - Oakland


Depression Research Study “K-Social”

Are you ages 55-60 and have you been diagnosed with depression? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to help researchers learn why some people become depressed and have thoughts of hurting themselves, while others do not. This is NOT a treatment study. Involves 3.5-7 hours of your time over 2-3 sessions, and includes an fMRI scan. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   55 - 60

Duration VISITS:  varies
Location LOCATION:  Bellefield Towers & UPMC Presbyterian (Oakland)


OPTIMUM Study for a Depressed Older Adult in Your Life

Is an older adult (ages 60 and up) in your life currently depressed? Is this person taking an antidepressant medication but not feeling any better? If so, he or she may be able to participate in a research study to help find out which antidepressants are safest and most effective for older adults with difficult-to-treat depression. Depressed older adult must contact Pitt+Me.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 18 months
VISITS:  Varies
Location LOCATION:  Participants do not need to come in for study appointments. The study can be conducted by phone.


Rhythms and You (RAY) Study

Do you have mood swings? Are you receiving care from a UPMC primary care doctor (PCP)? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study focused on your mood and body clock. Eligible participants must have Internet and phone access. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 99

Duration DURATION:  20 weeks

Research on Families as Partners in Reducing Violence

Do you have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, or another psychotic or mood disorder? Have you been involved in a violent incident in the past 6 months? Are you age 18-60? If so, you and a family member or friend may be able to participate in a 1-visit research study to help understand how families manage serious conflict situations. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 60

Duration VISITS:  One 2-hour interview at a private location
Location LOCATION:  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC - Oakland


Depression Treatment Study

Are you age 18-60 years old? Do you often feel down, low, or depressed? Do you have a low or poor opinion of yourself? If so, you may be able to take part in a research study to help find out if an investigational drug combined with brain training can improve depression symptoms. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 60

Duration DURATION:  5 weeks
VISITS:  12 visits
Location LOCATION:  Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC) at UPMC Montefiore Hospital – Oakland


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.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration VISITS:  one initial visit
Location LOCATION:  University Center, Aiken Medical Building, Monroeville Urgent Care, UPMC Montefiore CTRC & St. Clair Commons, Bethel Park


Mood Study

Do you have a history of a mood disorder (depression or bipolar disorder) or psychotic disorder? Are you the parent of a child aged 13-19? You and your child may be able to participate in a research study to help understand how mental illness develops. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   25 and Up

Duration DURATION:  3 years
VISITS:  3 visits
Location LOCATION:  Loeffler Building, Oakland + MR Research Center, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital


OPTIMUM Study – Optimizing Depression Treatment in Older Adults

Are you 60 years of age or older and currently depressed? Are you taking an antidepressant, but not feeling any better? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help find out which antidepressants are the safest and most effective for older adults with difficult to treat depression. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   60 and Up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 18 months
VISITS:  Varies
Location LOCATION:  Your primary care physician (PCP) or community psychiatrist’s office


PADI Study

Have you been diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder, and are you aged 18-45? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about brain function in people with mood disorders. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 45

Duration VISITS:  2 visits
Location LOCATION:  Loeffler Building & UPMC Presbyterian (Oakland)


Study of Neural Responses Induced by Antidepressants (SONRIsA)

Have you been diagnosed with depression and are you currently depressed? Are you between the ages of 18-55? You may be able to participate in a research study designed to help understand the brain mechanisms involved in depression. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 55

Duration DURATION:  Varies
VISITS:  Up to 10 visits
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh


Effects of Worry on the Brain

Are you age 50 or older? Do you often worry, or feel increasingly stressed, anxious, or depressed? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help explore changes in the brain that occur when people worry about everyday things. Compensation and parking provided.

Age Range
AGE:   50 and Up

Duration VISITS:  2-3 visits
Location LOCATION:  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) & UPMC Presbyterian


Diamond Brain Imaging Study

Are you experiencing emotional distress and are between the ages of 18-25? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about the brains of people who are experiencing severe emotional distress. This study involves a clinical evaluation, questionnaires, and performing computer tasks during an fMRI scan. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 25

Duration DURATION:  Up to 1 year
VISITS:  Up to 4 visits
Location LOCATION:  Oakland: Bellefield Towers, Loeffler Building; Magnetic Resonance Research Center – UPMC Presbyterian


MyPaTH Story Booth

Researchers are looking for volunteers to share a personal story about their experience as an individual facing a health problem or accessing the health system. Individuals could also share their experience as a caregiver for someone who is ill.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration VISITS:  1 visit lasting 20 minutes
Location LOCATION:  Falk Medical Building (Oakland), or by phone


Decision Processes of Late-Life Suicide

Are you between the ages of 55-80 and experiencing symptoms of depression? 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, while others do not. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   55 - 80

Duration VISITS:  2-3 visits, with annual follow-ups
Location LOCATION:  Bellefield Towers (Oakland) or at your home


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.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 26

Duration DURATION:  Up to participant
Location LOCATION:  Online


FamPath Biomarkers Study

Researchers at Pitt are looking for people age 25-60 with a personal and/or family history of depression and suicidal behavior for a research study exploring biological and genetic markers. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   25 - 60

Duration VISITS:  At least 2 study visits
Location LOCATION:  Multiple locations in Oakland


The ASSET Study – Teens With a Family History of Mental Illness

Does your 13-17 year old child have a parent with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder? If so, your child may be able to participate in a research study investigating social and emotional factors that may predict a future diagnosis of mental illness. Parent and teen will be compensated.

Age Range
AGE:   13 - 17

Duration VISITS:  4 visits
Location LOCATION:  Oakland


Seasonal Depression Study

Do you feel down or depressed during the fall or winter, or have you ever been depressed? Men and women between the ages of 30-65 may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about how light from the sun and lamps in our homes and offices affects our moods, energy levels, and sleep. Participation involves six visits over a year. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   30 - 65

Duration DURATION:  1 year
VISITS:  6 visits
Location LOCATION:  Sennott Square - Oakland



RELATED RESEARCH AREAS:
  Mental Health and Behavior

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