Pediatric Mood and Anxiety Research
Join a Research Study: Enrolling locally from the Washington, D.C. metro region
To find out if you qualify, email the study team (kidswithworries@mail.nih.gov) or call 1-301-827-1340 [TTY: 711].
This pediatric research study seeks to learn how the brain functions in children and adolescents with anxiety and/or depression. This study seeks boys and girls ages 8-17 to participate in research at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Research participation includes brain imaging and computer-based problem solving and memory tasks. Treatment is available over 12-weeks of outpatient visits. Parent and child must consent to participate.
All participants will receive interviews to assess how they are doing in general, including his or her general mood, degree of nervousness and behavior. Each participant and one of his or her parents will be interviewed separately and together. All those enrolled in the study will have a physical examination. They will undergo tests involving problem-solving and memory, and perform tasks that involve looking at pictures, remembering things, testing reaction times, and making simple choices.
Participants with anxiety or depression will first meet with a psychiatrist or psychologist for two weekly sessions of talk therapy. Those who remain anxious or depressed after these two weeks will have three options to choose from: 1) a non-drug treatment of 12 sessions of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (talk therapy) to learn strategies to manage anxious feelings; or, 2) treatment medication (fluoxetine) over 12 weeks; or, 3) a combination of talk therapy and treatment medication. Those who have not improved by the end of the study will be offered other treatment for one to three months, and the clinicians will help with finding subsequent aftercare. Those who improve with treatment will continue therapy at NIH until an outside physician is able to assume responsibility for monitoring medication.
First steps to participate include calling NIMH, learning study details, asking about your eligibility, and consenting to participate. There is no cost to participate and compensation is provided. Call to learn more.
To find out if you qualify, email the study team (kidswithworries@mail.nih.gov) or call 1-301-827-1340 [TTY: 711].
Study Identifiers
- NIMH Protocol Number: 01-M-0192
- ClinicalTrials.gov Study Number: 00018057
Investigator(s): Daniel Pine, M.D.