Current Studies
DECIBELS: DiscovEring CortIcal BiomarkErs in Language processing in adolescents with autism spectrum disorderS
Do you meet the following criteria and are interested in participating?
ASD: All sexes, right-handed, 14-17 years old, verbal
About the Study
Researchers are studying the brain’s response to language and sound. This study uses repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a form of brain stimulation, to measure how different parts of the brain communicate in teens with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Findings from this study may aid in the development of possible future treatments.
This outpatient study includes brain imaging (MRI and MEG), brain stimulation (rTMS), neurobehavioral assessments, and about 7 visits over 6 months. Some of the procedures may be conducted virtually.
This study is conducted at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. Compensation will be provided for your time. Parking will be validated; however, no reimbursement will be provided for travel or lodging.
For more information, please visit https://decibels.ctss.nih.gov
To find out if you qualify, email decibels-study@mail.nih.gov or call 1-301-435-0845 [TTY: 1-866-411-1010].
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04798274 - Role of GABAergic Transmission in Auditory Processing in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Depression, Experimental ECT and Brain Imaging (iLAST)
Do you meet the following criteria and interested in participating?
All sexes, 22-70 years old, diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and eligible for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
About the Study
This research study is testing a new type of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to see if it is a safe and effective method to rapidly reduce and treat depression. With this new type of ECT we decrease the strength of the electric pulse to see if that causes less memory side effects than regular ECT. We use brain imaging to better understand how the new treatment affects the brain and how this relates to changes in depression or memory.
This inpatient study is enrolling adults with major depressive disorder, ages 22-70. Participants will be free of other serious medical conditions and have tried other treatments and failed to improve. Research participation is 4- to 12-weeks and includes 7 sessions of the experimental ECT, brain imaging, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) assessment, and memory and thinking assessments. All research participants will receive 10-12 sessions of regular ECT after the experimental ECT part is over.
The study is conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD. There is no cost to participate and compensation is provided. This study enrolls eligible participants from across the USA. Travel arrangements are provided, and costs are covered by NIMH (arrangements vary by distance). After completing the study, participants receive short-term follow-up care at the NIH while transitioning back to a provider.
To find out if you qualify, email depressionresearch@mail.nih.gov or call 1-301-827-0176 [TTY: 1-866-411-1010].
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03895658 - Safety and Feasibility of Individualized Low Amplitude Seizure Therapy (iLAST)
Depression, TMS, Psychotherapy and Brain Function
Do you meet the following criteria and interested in participating?
All sexes, 18-65 years old with DSM-IV-TR primary diagnosis of initial or recurrent Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and current episode duration between 8 weeks and 5 years
About the Study
This research study seeks depressed participants to test the effects of the combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and psychotherapy on brain function.
This study is enrolling eligible adults ages 18-65 with major depressive disorder, who are free of other serious medical conditions. If you are currently taking anti-depressants, you may still be eligible.
This inpatient and/or outpatient study involves daily visits for 6 weeks followed by once-monthly visits for 3 months. Participation includes research evaluations, brain scans, and active TMS and psychotherapy, or inactive TMS and psychotherapy. Those who received inactive TMS may receive active TMS after the experimental phase is completed. After completing the study, participants receive short-term care at the NIH while transitioning back to a provider. The 3 monthly follow up visits can be conducted via telephone.
All clinical evaluations, research tasks and visits are free of cost. Participants are compensated for research procedures. The study is conducted at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland, and is enrolling participants nationwide, from across the United States. Travel arrangements are provided and costs are covered by NIMH (arrangements vary by distance).
To find out if you qualify, email NIMH or call 1-301-827-1874 [TTY: 1-866-411-1010].
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03289923 - Concurrent fMRI-guided rTMS and Cognitive Therapy for the Treatment of Major Depressive Episodes
TMS and Brain Function
Do you meet the following criteria and interested in participating?
All sexes, 18-65 years old, free of serious medical conditions
About the Study
This research study seeks healthy adult participants to explore how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) affects the brain. TMS is a non-invasive method which uses a magnet placed outside the head to stimulate precise locations inside the brain.
This study is enrolling eligible adults ages 18-65 who are free of serious medical conditions. Participation includes three to four outpatient visits for research evaluations, brain scans, and TMS. All clinical evaluations, research tasks and visits are free of cost. Participants are compensated. The study is conducted at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland.
To find out if you qualify, email NIMH or call 1-301-827-1651.
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03351764 - Development of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation Techniques
Depression and Transcranial Electric Stimulation Therapy (TEST)
Do you meet the following criteria and interested in participating?
All sexes, 25-64 years old, currently depressed (with Major Depression or Bipolar Disorder) and have continued to
feel depressed even after two different treatment attempts, in otherwise stable medical health (if you are currently taking medication, you may still be eligible)
About the Study
People with treatment resistant depression (TRD) are often helped by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). But ECT can affect memory and thinking. Researchers want to study a treatment called TEST that uses less electricity.
Participants will be admitted to the NIH Clinical Center for 5-18 weeks over 2-3 treatment phases. Their medications may be adjusted.
Participants will be interviewed about their depression, side effects, and other treatments they are receiving. They will complete questionnaires. They will give blood and urine samples. Their brain waves and heart rhythm will be recorded. They will take tests of memory, attention, mental functioning, and thinking.
Participants will have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the head and brain. They will lie on a table that slides in and out of the scanner. Pictures of brain chemicals will also be taken. They may complete tasks during the MRI.
Participants will receive TEST and/or sham treatments. They may receive optional ECT. An intravenous catheter will be placed in an arm vein to receive general anesthesia. Two electrodes will be placed on the front of their head. An electric current will be passed from the ECT machine through the electrodes. For sham treatments, they will not receive the electric current. Their breathing, heart rate, brain function, blood pressure, and body movements will be measured.
The study is conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD. There is no cost to participate, and compensation is provided. This study enrolls eligible participants from across the USA. Travel arrangements are provided, and costs are covered by the NIMH (arrangements vary by distance). After completing the inpatient portion of the study, participants receive short-term follow-up care at the NIH while transitioning back to a provider. There is a 6-month outpatient follow up phase of the study that does not require visits to NIH.
To find out if you qualify, email depressionresearch@mail.nih.gov or call 1-301-435-0885.
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03351764 - Transcranial Electric Stimulation Therapy (TEST) for Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD)