Adolescent Depression Research Study
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a study in teens to better understand depression and how to change it.
Fast Facts
Experiencing feelings of depression
13-17 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Pittsburgh, PA
Study Background
The University of Pittsburgh is conducting an innovative research study called SocialCARE, designed to help teens improve their response to talk therapy and enhance social engagement.
Depression rates rise rapidly during adolescence, yet many teens don’t respond to traditional treatments. The SocialCARE study aims to understand how teens’ brains engage with socially rewarding activities during therapy and to develop new ways to make therapy more effective. Using advanced techniques like augmented reality (AR) and brainwave monitoring (EEG), this study explores how neurofeedback can help teens stay engaged and benefit more from therapy.
Study Background
The University of Pittsburgh is conducting an innovative research study called SocialCARE, designed to help teens improve their response to talk therapy and enhance social engagement.
Depression rates rise rapidly during adolescence, yet many teens don’t respond to traditional treatments. The SocialCARE study aims to understand how teens’ brains engage with socially rewarding activities during therapy and to develop new ways to make therapy more effective. Using advanced techniques like augmented reality (AR) and brainwave monitoring (EEG), this study explores how neurofeedback can help teens stay engaged and benefit more from therapy.
Additional Information
Many teens with depression do not respond to traditional therapy, and there is a growing need for new, effective approaches. This study aims to understand how brain activity relates to social engagement during therapy. By using augmented reality (AR) and brainwave monitoring (EEG), researchers hope to develop a tool that gives teens real-time feedback on how they are engaging during therapy. This could lead to more personalized and effective treatments for teen depression.
Your child may qualify for a study if they meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
Ages 13-17
Experiencing feelings of depression
Able to attend study visits at the University of Pittsburgh
3 In-Person Visits: Participants will come to the lab once a week for 3 sessions. These visits include diagnostic interviews, questionnaires, and therapy exercises using an augmented reality headset and EEG cap to monitor brain activity.
Remote Follow-Ups: After the in-person sessions, there will be two follow-up check-ins (2 and 4 weeks later) to complete brief questionnaires.
Participants will receive up to $150 for completing all parts of the study: $50 for completing Session 1, $35 each for completing Sessions 2 and 3 (approximately $25/hour), and $15 each for completing the 2- and 4-week follow-up questionnaires. Transportation and parking costs will also be covered.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
