Depression and Anxiety Research Study
Researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center are conducting a study on therapy approaches for teens with a history of depression, anxiety, or overthinking.
Fast Facts
History of Feeling Anxious, Worried or Depressed
14-18
Years Olds & Their Parents
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Columbus, OH
Study Background
This study explores whether a specialized form of therapy can help teens reduce unhelpful thought patterns and prevent depression from returning.
Adolescence is a time when many teens struggle with worry, sadness, or getting stuck in cycles of overthinking. While some may have experienced depression, others may just notice they tend to ruminate or feel anxious often. This study, called RuMeChange, is focused on helping teens who’ve had these experiences learn healthier ways of thinking and coping — and seeing how that impacts their long-term mental health.
We’re currently enrolling teens ages 14 to 18 who have had symptoms of depression, anxiety, or tend to worry or overthink. No formal diagnosis is required — we’ll do our own screening to determine eligibility. If eligible, teens may receive 10–14 free therapy sessions, either in person or online, and participate in several study visits, including surveys, brain scans (MRIs), and follow-ups over two years. Both teens and their parents will receive compensation for their time.
Study Background
This study explores whether a specialized form of therapy can help teens reduce unhelpful thought patterns and prevent depression from returning.
Adolescence is a time when many teens struggle with worry, sadness, or getting stuck in cycles of overthinking. While some may have experienced depression, others may just notice they tend to ruminate or feel anxious often. This study, called RuMeChange, is focused on helping teens who’ve had these experiences learn healthier ways of thinking and coping — and seeing how that impacts their long-term mental health.
We’re currently enrolling teens ages 14 to 18 who have had symptoms of depression, anxiety, or tend to worry or overthink. No formal diagnosis is required — we’ll do our own screening to determine eligibility. If eligible, teens may receive 10–14 free therapy sessions, either in person or online, and participate in several study visits, including surveys, brain scans (MRIs), and follow-ups over two years. Both teens and their parents will receive compensation for their time.
Additional Information
We want to understand how unhelpful thinking patterns, like rumination, affect the return of depression in teens — and whether targeted therapy can help prevent it from happening again.
Screening: Parents fill out an interest form, complete a phone call, and — if eligible — both parent and teen join a virtual diagnostic interview.
Before Therapy: Teens complete online surveys, cognitive tests, mobile app check-ins, and an in-person MRI scan.
Therapy: Teens are randomly assigned to receive 10–14 free weekly therapy sessions, either in-person or online.
After Therapy: Teens and parents complete another interview, online surveys, app check-ins, and a second brain scan.
Follow-Up: For up to 2 years, both teen and parent complete online surveys every 3 months and diagnostic interviews at year 1 and 2.
The entire study lasts 1-2 years. Once enrolled, the study involves:
- From home: pre- and post-therapy visits where you’ll complete an interview, questionnaires, a computer task, and app-based questions
- In the lab: complete an MRI scan
- With a therapist: complete 10-14 weekly therapy sessions either online or in-person
As a participant, you can earn up to $320 and parents up to $165 for their participation. In-person visits include reimbursement for parking costs. Although we don’t provide transportation, we’ll help offset parking and related expenses. Plus, teens get access to free therapy sessions with trained professionals.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.