The Rembrandt Study

STUDY BASICS

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.

STUDY PURPOSE

Many older adults who have been successfully treated for depression will go on to experience another episode of depression in the future. Some evidence suggests that age-related physical, biological, and social changes may play a role in the recurrence of depression, but researchers do not fully understand this relationship.

 

The purpose of this study is to help better understand why some people experience a return of depression after successful treatment and others do not. Researchers hope their findings will lead to better ways to identify, monitor, and treat older adults with depression who may be at a high risk for recurrence. 

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 60 and up
• Recently treated for depression and experienced an improvement in your depression symptoms
• May or may not be taking antidepressant medication currently
• No mental health problems other than depression (or depression and anxiety)
• Willing and able to have an MRI scan (no non-removable metal in your body; not claustrophobic)

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves 5-8 clinical sessions and 6-9 phone calls over 2 years. Eligible participants will undergo MRI scanning, memory testing, and assessments. This study will not make any changes to the antidepressant treatment you may be taking now and does not specify what treatment you may receive in the future.  Some study visits may be completed remotely.