Adolescent Depression Research Study
Researchers at UC San Francisco are conducting a study with adolescents ages 14–18 to better understand depression and how online mindfulness and psychological education programs can improve emotional health.
Fast Facts
Experiencing moderate to severe depression
14-18
Years Old
Compensation
Provided Up To $500
Conducted in
San Fransisco, CA
Study Background
UC San Francisco researchers are studying adolescents to learn more about depression, its development, and ways to support emotion regulation and well-being through structured online programs.
Depression can affect mood, emotion regulation, and overall well-being in adolescents. This study aims to understand how online mindfulness training and psychological education programs can help adolescents improve emotional health. Participants will take part in a 12-week online program, complete questionnaires, wear an actigraphy watch to track sleep and activity, and attend two in-person visits at UCSF for MRI and EEG scans.
The findings from this study may help researchers develop more effective programs to support adolescents’ mental health and improve quality of life.
Study Background
UC San Francisco researchers are studying adolescents to learn more about depression, its development, and ways to support emotion regulation and well-being through structured online programs.
Depression can affect mood, emotion regulation, and overall well-being in adolescents. This study aims to understand how online mindfulness training and psychological education programs can help adolescents improve emotional health. Participants will take part in a 12-week online program, complete questionnaires, wear an actigraphy watch to track sleep and activity, and attend two in-person visits at UCSF for MRI and EEG scans.
The findings from this study may help researchers develop more effective programs to support adolescents’ mental health and improve quality of life.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are aiming to understand depression in adolescents and how it affects mood, emotions, and daily functioning. We are studying how online mindfulness training and psychological education programs can support emotion regulation and overall well-being. Participants will take part in a 12-week online program, complete questionnaires, wear an actigraphy watch to track sleep and activity, and attend two in-person visits at UCSF for MRI and EEG scans. The goal of this study is to learn how these programs work and to help develop more effective, personalized treatments for adolescent depression.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 14–18
- Experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of depression
- English-speaking
- Access to Zoom for weekly online sessions
- Under the care of a primary care provider
Exclusion Criteria:
- Neurological or psychiatric conditions other than depression or ADHD
- Taking psychotropic medications other than antidepressants or FDA-approved ADHD medications
- MRI contraindications (e.g., metal in body, severe claustrophobia)
- Regular mindfulness, meditation, or yoga practice in the past 60 days (≥20 minutes, ≥2 times/week)
- Active suicidal intent or a suicide attempt within the past 3 months
The study lasts approximately 12 weeks. Once enrolled, participation involves both in-person and at-home activities:
In-Person at UCSF:
- Two visits for MRI and EEG scans at UCSF Mission Bay
- Completion of questionnaires and interviews to assess mood, emotion regulation, and other characteristics related to depression
- The first visit may include a small finger-prick blood sample
At Home:
- Weekly 1.5-hour online group sessions (mindfulness training or psychological education) via Zoom
- Online questionnaires throughout the 12-week program
- Use of an actigraphy watch to monitor sleep and physical activity
- Optional app-based activities to track mood and daily experiences
As a participant, you may receive up to $500.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.