Childhood Experiences & Depression Research Study
Researchers at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA are seeking participants for a research study investigating the relationship between childhood experiences, depression, and response to stress as an adult. Enroll today!
Fast Facts
Women 20-32 Years Old
Symptoms of Depression
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Boston, MA
Study Background
Early Life Stress 2: Molecular and Functional Imaging Approaches
We want to understand how experiences you have in your childhood can affect your emotional wellbeing and stress response as an adult. For this research study, we are seeking women between the ages of 20-32 with current or past depression, who may have experienced sexual assault or unwanted sexual experiences between the ages of 11-18. If this doesn’t sound like your experience, but you have depression or a history of depression, you may still be eligible to participate.
Participation includes questionnaires, a structured clinical interview, 2 MRI scans, blood draws, and other brain response tasks, as well as two follow-up phone calls.
Your participation may help researchers improve treatment approaches for women with depression. Advance research today and join our compensated research study!
Study Background
Early Life Stress 2: Molecular and Functional Imaging Approaches
We want to understand how experiences you have in your childhood can affect your emotional wellbeing and stress response as an adult. For this research study, we are seeking women between the ages of 20-32 with current or past depression, who may have experienced sexual assault or unwanted sexual experiences between the ages of 11-18. If this doesn’t sound like your experience, but you have depression or a history of depression, you may still be eligible to participate.
Participation includes questionnaires, a structured clinical interview, 2 MRI scans, blood draws, and other brain response tasks, as well as two follow-up phone calls.
Your participation may help researchers improve treatment approaches for women with depression. Advance research today and join our compensated research study!
Additional Information
The purpose of this research study is to investigate how stress in early life, such as unwanted sexual experiences, affects depression and stress response as an adult.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Women ages 20-32
- Currently experiencing (or have a history of) depression
- Experienced sexual assault or unwanted sexual experiences between the ages of 11-18
- If taking psychiatric medications, only taking SSRIs/SNRIs (e.g., Prozac, Lexapro, Zoloft, Celexa)
- Not taking Wellbutrin
- Not taking stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse)
- Able to undergo MRI (no metal in the body, no claustrophobia)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Pregnancy
- Serious or unstable illness
- History of seizures
- Diagnosis of OCD, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder
- Current eating disorder
Participation in this research study involves:
- Phone screen (30-minute phone call): questions about your medical & psychiatric history, drug/alcohol use, and childhood experiences
- Screening survey
- Assessment session (3 hours over Zoom): review consent form, fill out surveys, and meet with a clinician
- MRI session at McLean Hospital (5.5-6 hours in person): 2 brain scans, blood draws, surveys, and a stress response task
- 6- and 12- month follow-ups (1-hour phone call): speak with a clinician and fill out surveys
If you are marked ineligible at any step, you will still be compensated for your participation up to that point.
Compensation is provided up to $690 total for your time. We can also compensate transportation to McLean Hospital for the MRI session up to $50.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
For more information, please contact EarlyLifeStressStudy@mclean.harvard.edu.
