Youth Depression Research Study
Researchers at Columbia University are conducting a study on mindfulness and brain imaging for adolescents experiencing depression.
Fast Facts
Currently Feeling Down or Depressed
Teen is 13-18
Years Old
Compensation up to $484
Conducted in
New York
Study Background
Can mindfulness and brain feedback help teens feel better? Columbia researchers want to find out.
We are recruiting depressed adolescents ages 13-18 years old. As a participant in our study, we will: (1) interview you/your child about current and past thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, (2) teach you/your child mindfulness strategies, (3) collect brain activity data with MRI (non-invasive) while you/your child practices mindfulness, and (4) send short surveys to your/your child’s smartphone through an app. The MRI scan will take place at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University, and the interviews will take place remotely through Zoom. There also will be a follow-up assessment 1 month after the MRI scan where we will conduct brief interviews. For participating in the study, you/your child will receive up to $484. To be eligible for this study, you/your teen must be currently depressed.
Study Background
Can mindfulness and brain feedback help teens feel better? Columbia researchers want to find out.
We are recruiting depressed adolescents ages 13-18 years old. As a participant in our study, we will: (1) interview you/your child about current and past thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, (2) teach you/your child mindfulness strategies, (3) collect brain activity data with MRI (non-invasive) while you/your child practices mindfulness, and (4) send short surveys to your/your child’s smartphone through an app. The MRI scan will take place at the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University, and the interviews will take place remotely through Zoom. There also will be a follow-up assessment 1 month after the MRI scan where we will conduct brief interviews. For participating in the study, you/your child will receive up to $484. To be eligible for this study, you/your teen must be currently depressed.
Additional Information
Researchers are developing a new type of mindfulness training supported by brain feedback to reduce depression symptoms in teens.
Your teen may be eligible for this study if they meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Currently feeling down or depressed
- Ages 13-18
- Able to undergo MRI scan
- Fluent in English
- A 4-hour initial interview to check eligibility, including a clinical mental health evaluation (virtual)
- A 1-hour visit with additional questionnaires (virtual)
- A 5-6-hour in-person visit, including an MRI scan
- A 1-hour follow-up session one month after the scan (virtual)
- Brief surveys sent to your teen’s smartphone between visits
Yes, participants can receive up to $484 for completing all parts of the study, including $50 to cover transportation expenses. In addition, MRI scans are reviewed by a neuroradiologist.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.