Depression Research Study
Researchers at McLean Hospital are studying women ages 20–32 to better understand depression, how it develops, and how early life experiences and stress shape emotional and behavioral responses in adulthood.
Fast Facts
Experiencing ongoing feelings of sadness
Women ages 20-32
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Belmont, MA
Study Background
Researchers at McLean Hospital are conducting a study in women ages 20–32 to better understand depression, how past experiences influence stress responses, and potential ways to improve outcomes.
Depression, especially when it lasts most of the day and nearly every day, can affect mood, motivation, and how people respond to stress. This study aims to understand how early life experiences, such as unwanted sexual experiences between the ages of 11–18, shape stress responses and brain function in women ages 20–32. By combining surveys, interviews, and imaging techniques like MRI, we hope to learn more about the underlying mechanisms of depression and how past experiences influence current mental health.
The insights from this research could help inform new ways to support people with depression, improve stress resilience, and ultimately enhance quality of life.
Study Background
Researchers at McLean Hospital are conducting a study in women ages 20–32 to better understand depression, how past experiences influence stress responses, and potential ways to improve outcomes.
Depression, especially when it lasts most of the day and nearly every day, can affect mood, motivation, and how people respond to stress. This study aims to understand how early life experiences, such as unwanted sexual experiences between the ages of 11–18, shape stress responses and brain function in women ages 20–32. By combining surveys, interviews, and imaging techniques like MRI, we hope to learn more about the underlying mechanisms of depression and how past experiences influence current mental health.
The insights from this research could help inform new ways to support people with depression, improve stress resilience, and ultimately enhance quality of life.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are trying to understand how early life experiences influence depression and stress responses in adulthood. We aim to learn more about the ways that unwanted sexual experiences or sexual assault between the ages of 11–18 may affect brain function, mood, and reactions to stress in women ages 20–32.
To do this, we are using a combination of self-report surveys, structured interviews, and advanced neuroimaging techniques such as MRI and MRS to examine brain structure, function, and neurochemistry. We will also assess stress responses using tasks designed to measure emotion regulation and physiological reactions.
The findings from this study could help us understand how early experiences shape adult mental health, potentially guiding new strategies to prevent or treat depression and improve quality of life
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
Female
Ages 20–32
Right-handed
Capable of providing written informed consent
Not currently taking psychiatric medication (e.g., anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medication, stimulants, etc.)
Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing
Fluency in written and spoken English
Absence of first-degree relatives with a history of a psychotic disorder
Exclusion Criteria (selected):
Current suicidal ideation
Pregnant or recently gave birth
MRI contraindications (metal implants, claustrophobia)
Serious or unstable medical illness (cardiovascular, neurologic, autoimmune, etc.)
History of seizure disorder
Past/current diagnosis of OCD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders
Current PTSD or severe anxiety disorders
The study lasts approximately 1–2 years. Once enrolled, participation involves the following:
In the lab (On-Site Visits):
3 visits at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA
Each visit includes:
Structured clinical interviews about mood, life experiences, and depression
Self-report questionnaires
Computer-based tasks assessing emotional and cognitive processing
MRI scans (structural and functional imaging) and MRS scans to measure brain chemistry
Blood draws (first in-person visit)
A cold water stress task during one visit
From home (Remote Assessments):
Completion of surveys and assessments over Zoom or phone calls (approx. 3 hours for the first remote assessment)
6- and 12-month follow-ups conducted over the phone with a clinician and online surveys
Compensation:
Phone screen: $25 (regardless of eligibility)
Remote assessment session: $60
MRI visit: $305 (plus up to $50 transportation)
6- and 12-month follow-ups: $150 each
Total possible compensation: up to $690
As a participant, you may receive up to $690.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.