Depression & PTSD
Research Study
Researchers at McLean Hospital are evaluating a potential new treatment for depression and stress-related disorders.
Fast Facts
Depression or PTSD Symptoms
18-45 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Belmont, MA
Study Background
Researchers at McLean Hospital are evaluating a potential new treatment for depression and stress-related disorders.
In psychology, “approach” and “avoidance” refer to the ideas of moving towards positive outcomes and away from negative outcomes. In our daily lives, we often encounter complicated situations that may have both positive and negative outcomes, making it more difficult to decide whether we should approach or avoid.
In this research study, we want to use brain imaging to look at approach/avoidance decision-making behavior in people with stress-related disorders. Particularly, we want to investigate investigate how a medication (called a nociceptin antagonist) affects this decision-making behavior. If you are currently experiencing symptoms of depression or PTSD, and not taking any psychiatric medications, you may be eligible to participate in this 1-year study.
Eventually, the findings of this study might be useful for better understanding stress-related disorders.
Study Background
Researchers at McLean Hospital are evaluating a potential new treatment for depression and stress-related disorders.
In psychology, “approach” and “avoidance” refer to the ideas of moving towards positive outcomes and away from negative outcomes. In our daily lives, we often encounter complicated situations that may have both positive and negative outcomes, making it more difficult to decide whether we should approach or avoid.
In this research study, we want to use brain imaging to look at approach/avoidance decision-making behavior in people with stress-related disorders. Particularly, we want to investigate investigate how a medication (called a nociceptin antagonist) affects this decision-making behavior. If you are currently experiencing symptoms of depression or PTSD, and not taking any psychiatric medications, you may be eligible to participate in this 1-year study.
Eventually, the findings of this study might be useful for better understanding stress-related disorders.
Additional Information
This project is studying the effects of a nociceptin antagonist on approach/avoidance decision-making behavior in individuals with current stress-related disorders (major depressive disorder and/or post-traumatic stress disorder).
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18-45 years old
- Currently experiencing depression or PTSD symptoms
- Right-handed
- Not currently taking any psychiatric medications
- Able to travel to Belmont, MA (travel reimbursements available)
This study involves four sessions that take place over the course of a year. Three of the sessions are virtual, and one session is in-person.
- Enrollment and Screening (virtual): After providing informed consent, participants will complete surveys and have a clinical interview conducted by a study clinician.
- Scan Session (in-person): Participants will complete urine drug and pregnancy tests, surveys, and MRI exam, and a series of computer tasks.
- Randomization: If eligible, participants will be randomized to receive a single dose of either the nociceptin antagonist or a placebo, which looks like the study medication but has no active ingredients.
- Follow-Up Sessions (6- and 12-months after fMRI Session, virtual): Participants will complete a clinical assessment with the study’s clinician, surveys, and will download the same two apps used after the fMRI session for use for the three weeks after the follow-up session.
After each of the last three sessions (i.e., the scan session and the follow-up sessions), participants complete daily smartphone surveys for 3 weeks.
As a participant, you can receive up to $856 for your time and effort.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study. Participants can receive travel expense reimbursement of up to $60.
