History of Depression Research Study
Researchers at the University of Southern California are conducting a study on emotional and physical responses to stress for young adults with or without a history of depression.
Fast Facts
Not Taking Medications OR on a Stable Dose (30+ Days)
18-27
Years Old With a History of Depression, But No Current Symptoms
Compensation Provided up to $870
Conducted in
Los Angeles, CA
Study Background
This study explores how emotions and body signals interact to better understand depression risk in young adults.
The RAPID Study (Regulating Affect and Physiology in Depression) is led by researchers at the University of Southern California to explore how people’s thoughts, emotions, and physical responses — like heart rate and breathing — may be linked to depression. The study focuses on young adults ages 18 to 27, with or without a history of depression, to understand how the mind and body respond to stress in daily life.
Participants will engage in a combination of in-person and remote activities, including psychiatric interviews, short daily surveys, wearable monitoring (like an athletic shirt and watch), computer tasks, and an fMRI brain scan. By studying both emotional and physiological data, researchers aim to develop better tools for identifying and supporting individuals at risk for depression.
Study Background
This study explores how emotions and body signals interact to better understand depression risk in young adults.
The RAPID Study (Regulating Affect and Physiology in Depression) is led by researchers at the University of Southern California to explore how people’s thoughts, emotions, and physical responses — like heart rate and breathing — may be linked to depression. The study focuses on young adults ages 18 to 27, with or without a history of depression, to understand how the mind and body respond to stress in daily life.
Participants will engage in a combination of in-person and remote activities, including psychiatric interviews, short daily surveys, wearable monitoring (like an athletic shirt and watch), computer tasks, and an fMRI brain scan. By studying both emotional and physiological data, researchers aim to develop better tools for identifying and supporting individuals at risk for depression.
Additional Information
This study is researching how the way people think and feel is connected to physical responses in the body, and how that may relate to risk for depression.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-27
- History of depression, but no current symptoms
- Not taking medications OR on a stable dose (30+ days)
- In good physical health
- Willing to come in person for visits at USC
If eligible, you’ll complete:
4 study visits (some remotely)
Psychiatric interviews and questionnaires
10 days of brief smartphone surveys throughout each day
Wearing an athletic shirt to measure heart rate and breathing
Wearing a watch to track sleep
10 days of breathing practice and at-home questionnaires
Computer tasks at the lab
An fMRI scan
Follow-up surveys at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and a 1-year phone interview
Compensation is provided based on how much of the study you complete, up to $870 total. Plus, participants can request a personal image of their brain from the MRI scan.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study. We will cover reasonable costs for parking and transportation.