Depression Research Study
Researchers at The National Institute of Mental Health are conducting studies using PET imaging to measure the level of inflammatory enzymes present in the brains of individuals experiencing depression.
Fast Facts
Experiencing Symptoms of Depression
Ages 18-70
Compensation may be provided
Conducted in Bethesda, MD
Study Background
Researchers at The National Institute of Mental Health are looking for individuals experiencing symptoms of depression who are not taking psychiatric medication to participate in these clinical studies.
Researchers want to learn more about the level of inflammatory enzymes present in the brains of people experiencing major depression.
We are recruiting unmedicated patients to two studies, one focused on measuring the Cyclooxygenase-1 and Cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes, and the other measuring the Phosphodiesterase-4 enzyme.
Protocol ID# 20-M-0157 & 00676
Study Background
Researchers want to learn more about the level of inflammatory enzymes present in the brains of people experiencing major depression.
We are recruiting unmedicated patients to two studies, one focused on measuring the Cyclooxygenase-1 and Cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes, and the other measuring the Phosphodiesterase-4 enzyme.
Additional Information
The goal of these studies is to use PET imaging to measure the level of inflammatory enzymes present in the brains of individuals experiencing depression.
You may qualify for the studies if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Participants must be experiencing a major depressive episode lasting at least four weeks.
Key Exclusion:
- Participants must be free of all prohibited medications or at least two weeks (5 weeks for aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, fluoxetine) prior to the screen visit. These medications include antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs (except for study medication celecoxib), antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications (stimulants, mood stabilizers, herbal products) to treat mental health symptoms, and tranquilizers/sedatives/hypnotics.
- Participants with a history of substance use disorder (except for caffeine or nicotine dependence) or alcohol use disorder, within the preceding three months. However, alcohol or cannabis use by themselves are not exclusion criteria, unless that use impairs function.
- Are unable to have an MRI scan (e.g., because of pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices, brain stimulators, dental implants, aneurysm clips (metal clips on the wall of a large artery), metallic prostheses (including metal pins and rods, heart valves, and cochlear implants), permanent eyeliner, implanted delivery pumps, shrapnel fragments, or metal fragments in the eye.
Both studies will require 1-5 visits, depending on which group you are eligible for.
The first appointment is a screening evaluation which typically takes 4 – 6 hours and involves a physical exam, a blood draw, and a psychiatric evaluation
- The second visit is for the PET scan(s), which have a duration of 90-120 minutes, and the total appointment length is 6-8 hours.
- The third appointment is for the MRI and will take no more than 2 hours.
Compensation may be provided depending on participation and eligibility.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research studies.
We are able to provide taxi services to people located within 50 miles of the NIH. We are unable to reimburse for metro or Uber/Lyft. We are able to reimburse for mileage.