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STUDY BASICS

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, while others do not. Study visits will take place in person, by phone, or via Zoom. Compensation is provided.


STUDY PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to further understand why some individuals who are depressed have thoughts of suicide, while others do not. The PROTECT research study is examining how decisions we make in our daily life (social, cognitive, sleep health) relate to depression and future risks (short and long term) for suicidal thoughts and behavior.  This research will help to learn more about why some people are at high risk for suicide and factors that could help protect these people. 


COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
  • Are age 55 or older
  • Have been feeling depressed
  • Have never had a stroke
  • Have never been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or a psychotic disorder

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Assessment visits (virtual or in-person) about mood, memory, medical and psychiatric history Smartphone-based assessments 2 times per day for 3 weeks answering questions as well as brain games and wearing an activity watch. 


IRB: STUDY25040027
- PROTECT4: Decision Processes in Late-Life Suicide: Competitive Renewal

RESEARCH AREAS & CONDITIONS:
  Healthy Aging

Age Range
AGE:   55 and older
Duration
DURATION:  12 months, then annual follow up visits
VISITS:  3 initial and annual follow-up visits
Location
LOCATION:  In-person in Bellefield Towers or at the Oxford Building, over the phone, or over Zoom.
Compensation
COMPENSATION:  Up to $425 and travel costs to visits reimbursed
Location
PHONE NUMBER: 1-866-438-8230
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INTERESTED?

Visit https://pittplusme.org/study/protect4 and click on "I'm Interested" or call 1-866-438-8230.

LEARN MORE

PittPlusMe.org
1-866-438-8230
PittPlusMe@pitt.edu
@PittPlusMe
@PittPlusMe

MEET THE RESEARCHERS


Swathi Gujral

Swathi Gujral, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Gujral’s clinical and research work focuses on assessing and treating cognitive dysfunction and depression in older adults. Her long-term research goal is to optimize brain health in older adults with psychiatric and cognitive comorbidities using lifestyle interventions.





Katalin Szanto

Katalin Szanto, MD is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. She is a psychiatrist with over 30 years of clinical experience treating older patients with depression. She founded the Longitudinal Research Program in Late-Life Suicide, which follows a population of adults at very high risk for suicide--those with depression and a history of suicide attempt or ideation.