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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

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition in older adults. Symptoms of depression can include feeling sad or hopeless, feeling tired or not having energy, losing interest in hobbies or activities, and changes in appetite, concentration, or sleep. Some people with depression may also think about death or suicide.

 

The purpose of this study is to further understand why some individuals who are depressed have thoughts of suicide, while others do not. Researchers hope these findings will lead to better ways to help older adults with depression in the future.


COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
  • Ages 55 and up
  • Currently experiencing symptoms of depresssion.
  • Never diagnosed with bipolar disorder or a psychotic disorder
  • Never diagnosed with a neurological disorder
  • Never had a stroke

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
  • Assessments visits (virtual or in-person) about mood, memory, medical history, and psychiatric history
  • Meet with a study clinician for initial visits (~3 hours split up over sessions) and follow up visits (~1 hour)

IRB: STUDY19060351A
- Decision Processes of Late-Life Suicide

RESEARCH AREAS & CONDITIONS:
  Featured Research

Age Range
AGE:   55 and older
Duration
DURATION:  up to 4 years
VISITS:  2-3 sessions lasting about 1.5 hours each
Location
LOCATION:  Visits are completed in person in Bellefield Towers, over the phone, or over Zoom.
Compensation
COMPENSATION:  up to $150 for baseline, $50 for 3-month follow up, and $50 for every annual follow-up visit
Location
PHONE NUMBER: 1-866-438-8230
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INTERESTED?

Visit https://pittplusme.org/study/1713 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 RESEARCHER


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.