Currently Recruiting Studies

Ethics of brain research on mental illness & addiction: an interview study

This research study is seeking participants aged 18 and up to participate in a 2-3 hour long, in-person, video-taped interview about their views on brain research. The purpose of this study is to obtain a better understanding of how different groups of people feel about brain research related to mental illness and addiction. Individuals who are living with any mental illness or addiction are eligible to participate. Immediate family members of an individual living with any mental illness or addiction are also eligible to participate. No previous experience or knowledge about the topic is necessary.
   
Participants must be able to provide their own transportation to and from the interview location in Palo Alto. You will be compensated for your time and effort. To find out if you are eligible to participate, please call 650-723-6180 or email kryan2@stanford.edu.

Recruitment age range: 18+

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-723-6180; kryan2@stanford.edu

Key words: brain, ethics

SPARK: Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge, a national cohort of individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder

Stanford University invites the entire autism community to join SPARK, a research study sponsored by Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI), to help establish the largest online autism research cohort committed to accelerating the understanding of autism. There is no cost to join SPARK, and participants will receive access to experts through webinars and other online channels so they can hear about the latest research in autism. Interested individuals can register at www.SPARKforautism.org/stanford or contact us at sparkstudy@stanford.edu for more information.

Recruitment age range: all ages

Contact information for participant inquiries:  sparkstudy@stanford.edu

Key words: autism, genetic, research registry

BGAP Study: Brains, Genes, And Puberty

We are looking for boys ages 8-13, who either have confirmed Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) or are typically developing to participate in a study exploring how puberty affects brain and behavioral development in adolescent boys, and how standardized treatments influence the brain and behavior in boys with Klinefelter syndrome.
   
Participation involves:

• 2 full day visits each year for 4 years
• Comprehensive physical, cognitive, and behavioral evaluations
• MRI brain scan (MRIs are safe and non-invasive. Your child will not be exposed to any x-rays or any harmful radiation)

Potential Benefits include:

• Discussion and written report of results from cognitive and behavioral evaluation
• Early access to study outcomes
• Flight/hotel/ground transportation costs and food covered for the participating child and one caregiver or parent
• Families will receive an honorarium of up to $100 for their participation (plus prizes and a picture of your child's brain)

Recruitment age range: 8-13 years old

Recruitment gender: Male

Contact information for participant inquiries:  (650) 497-6525 / BGAPstudy@stanford.edu

Key words: puberty, neurodevelopment, Klinefelter syndrome

Emotion Regulation in Adolescents with Binge Eating and Purging

A study for girls 14-18 who struggle with binge/purge behaviors (no formal diagnosis is required to participate). The study involves two appointments - one interview and one fMRI scan. Participants are compensated $100.

Recruitment age range: 14-18 years old

Recruitment gender: Female

Contact information for participant inquiries:  hawelch@stanford.edu

Key words: eating disorders, binge eating, emotion regulation

Puberty and Neurodevelopment in Adolescents (PANDA) Study

Researchers at Stanford University are looking for pre-teens ages 10-14 of all gender expressions to participate in a study exploring how hormones affect the development of different parts of the brain during puberty. This is a longitudinal study that requires 3 visits across 5 years.
   
Each visit will include:

• A comprehensive physical, cognitive, and behavioral evaluations
• Brain imaging with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (safe, non-invasive, no x-rays/radiation)
•  Blood Test (including genetic analysis)

Potential benefits for participating:

• All participants will receive written reports from evaluations
• Priority access to the results of the study via a study newsletter
• Up to $130 honorarium for each year of participation

Recruitment age range: 10-14 years old

Contact information for participant inquiries:  (650) 498-2115 / pandastudy@stanford.edu

Key words: Puberty, Adolescents, Brain Development

Intranasal Vasopressin Treatment in Children with Autism

The purpose of this clinical trial is to investigate the effectiveness of vasopressin nasal spray for treating symptoms associated with autism. Vasopressin is a hormone that is produced naturally within the body and has been implicated in regulating social behaviors. It has been proposed that administration of the hormone may also help improve social functioning in individuals with autism.

Recruitment age range: 6 to 17 years old

Contact information for participant inquiries:  avpclinicaltrial@stanford.edu, (650) 736-1235

Key words: Autism

Understanding How Ketamine Brings About Rapid Improvement in OCD

To understand how a new drug brings about rapid improvement in OCD symptoms.

Recruitment age range: 18 to 65

Contact information for participant inquiries:  ocdresearch@stanford.edu, 650-723-4095

Key words: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of adjunctive BHV-4157 in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of BHV-4157 versus placebo in subjects with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Recruitment age range: 18 to 65

Contact information for participant inquiries:  ocdresearch@stanford.edu, 650-723-4095

Key words: Obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD

Enhancing Treatment of Hoarding Disorder With Personalized In-Home Sorting and Decluttering Practice

The proposed study aims to investigate the efficacy of adding in-home decluttering practice to Buried in Treasures Workshop (BIT) facilitated group treatment for hoarding disorder.

Recruitment age range: 18 to 70

Contact information for participant inquiries:  clutterhelp@stanford.edu, 650-724-8912

Key words: clutter, hoarding disorder

UNFEAR: Using the Neuroscience of Fear Extinction for Anxiety Reduction

This study aims to improve cognitive behavior therapy response for patients with social anxiety disorder by seeing whether brain activity during emotional learning tasks can help us understand who will do best with this kind of therapy and why.

Recruitment age range: 18 and older

Contact information for participant inquiries:  unfearstudy@stanford.edu or www.stanfordstarlab.com

Key words: Social anxiety disorders

Note: Participants must be available to come to Stanford's campus for up to 6 months after initial visit.

Exercise & the brain study - Adolescents (12-17 years old) with and without ADHD

Stanford's Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research (CIBSR) is conducting a study of the effects of exercise upon brain function in adolescents with and without attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Volunteers aged between 10-17 years old who able to participate in moderate to vigorous cycling exercise are required. This study involves 3 sessions (lasting up to 3 hours each). Participants will have their heart rate measured and complete self-report questionnaires and computerized tasks during and after cycling-exercise. Noninvasive near-infrared spectroscopy, which involves wearing a head cap to measure brain activity, will be applied. For more information please contact the Brain Research, EXercise and FITness Lab at: brexfitlab@stanford.edu For general information about participant rights, contact the Institutional Review Board 1-866-680-2906

Recruitment age range: 10-17 years

Contact information for participant inquiries:  brexfitlab@stanford.edu

Key words: ADHD, Exercise, Brain

Math Elements Training Intervention

Seeking 2nd and 3rd graders of all math and learning abilities to participate in an exciting study to increase our understanding of math skill development and how the brain changes with math learning.

Recruitment age range: 2nd - 3rd graders

Contact information for participant inquiries:  650-736-0056

Key words: Math, Learning, Autism

Augmentation Versus Switch: Comparative Effectiveness Research Trial for Antidepressant Incomplete and Non-responders With Treatment Resistant Depression (ASCERTAIN-TRD)

The Stanford Depression Research Clinic is seeking people with major depressive disorder (MDD) to participate in a new research study. If you are between the ages of 18 and 80, currently depressed and have a history of trying at least one antidepressant medication you may be eligible. This study involves comparing three treatment arms: 1. Adding Abilify® to current antidepressant medication, or 2. Adding Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) to current antidepressant medication, or 3. Switching your current antidepressant medication to Effexor® Extended Release, or to Cymbalta® These 3 treatments are approved by the FDA to treat Treatment Resistant Depression. If enrolled, this study involves 9 visits over ~12 weeks. If you are currently taking an antidepressant medication that is only partially helping your depression, please contact us to learn more about our current research. Participants will receive compensation for their time.

Recruitment age range: 18-80 years

Contact information for participant inquiries:  http://med.stanford.edu/drc.html

Key words: depression

Apple Watch Adherence Study

Are you curious about how an Apple Watch can help you increase your daily steps? Are you over 18 and have an iPhone? If so, you may be inetrested in participating in the Apple Watch research study, happening at Stanford University!

Recruitment age range: over 18 years

Contact information for participant inquiries: knameth@stanford.edu

Key words: physical activity, technology, adherence

GirlBAND

This study is an NIH-funded research project aimed to increase our understanding of the brain during a critical time of girls' growth. Information learned from this research can ultimately contribute to an increased understanding of learning, behavior, and emotion facilitating the development of intervention services/therapies.

Recruitment age range: females between the ages of 6-14 years

Contact information for participant inquiries:  girlbandstudy@stanford.edu

Key words: learning and behavior challenges, developmental disability, girls

Study of the Effects of Long-Term Multi-Domain Cognitive Training on Large-Scale Structural and Functional Brain Networks in Alzheimer's Disease

Cognitive training for adults with mild cognitive impairment

Recruitment age range: 65-85

Contact information for participant inquiries: study_brain@stanford.edu

Key words: memory, MCI, cognitive training

Improving Cognition via Exercise (ICE) in Schizophrenia

Participants needed for a research study on the influence of exercise on cognitive functioning in individuals with schizophrenia.

Recruitment age range: 18-55

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-761-1475; knismeta@stanford.edu

Key words: Schizophrenia, exercise, cognition

A Prospective, Double Blind, Randomized, Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of the Brainsway (HAC-Coil) Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (DTMS) System for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

We are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (DTMS) therapy in subjects with PTSD who have not responded adequately to medication. We are also looking to test for EEG biomarkers for personalized DTMS.

Recruitment age range: 22-68

Contact information for participant inquiries: (650)-646-5138; nsukumar@stanford.edu

Key words: PTSD, DTMS, Brainsway

Volunteers needed for Stanford/VA Depression Study

We are currently looking for people to participate in a research study testing a new app that teaches mindfulness skills to help manage depression symptoms. The program lasts for 12 weeks. People who are currently experiencing depression symptoms may qualify. Your participation in this study would involve a telephone assessment to determine if you qualify and two in-person assessments (one at the beginning and one at the end of the study). The assessments will take place at the Palo Alto VA. This study compensates up to $120 for participation.

You may qualify if:
- You are experiencing depression or symptoms of depression.
- You are at least 40 years old.
- You own a smartphone.
- You live in California.
- You speak English.

- You have not received a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder.

Recruitment age range: 40+

Contact information for participant inquiries: To find out if you qualify, please call 650-493-5000, press 1, 1, dial extension 67023, or follow the link to a confidential online contact survey: https://is.gd/MeruDepressionApp

Key words: depression, mobile app

Virtual Reality Therapy for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

This research study is seeking participants, ages 18-70 years of age, who are diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) to participate in a research study on the use of virtual reality (VR) therapy for FND. The purpose of the study is to learn if computerized delivery of physical and cognitive behavior therapy is an effective treatment for FND. If you decide to participate, you will be randomized to receive the intervention or to receive placebo.  In both cases you will receive 8 sessions of a VR experience. You will also be asked to take several surveys, provide feedback, and be videotaped while wearing a virtual reality helmet display and playing several games.  Some of the games will involve hitting targets while you embody a computer generated avatar body. Audio and video taping may occur while you participate, but that data will not be linked to your personal information, and the data will be destroyed after it has been coded and transcribed.  You may be identifiable in the videotapes.

Recruitment age range: 18-70 years old

Contact information for participant inquiries: (650) 714-1459

Key words:  VR, FND

Social Motivation in Children: Online Study for Parents

Researchers at Stanford University are currently recruiting parents of children between 2-30 years of age to participate in a research study in order to better understand social motivation in children. To complete the survey, go to: https://is.gd/ssms_study  

Recruitment age range: Parents of children 2-30 years old

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-736-1235; autismdd@stanford.edu

Key words:  social motivation; social skills

Cognitive Training for Executive Functioning

This is a research study exploring changes in brain function in response to a novel neurofeedback training.

Recruitment age range: 7-17 years old

Contact information for participant inquiries: Lindsay Chromik at lchromik@stanford.edu

Key words:  ADHD, neurofeedback

Accelerated Theta Burst in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Biomarker Study

This study is looking for participants that have depression with a history of being unresponsive to at least one medication, that might respond to this new treatment. This study provides a new way of using transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat depression and is called theta burst stimulation. It involves using a shorter period of stimulation for each treatment, which might benefit patients.  If you have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression and are interested in participating, please fill out our survey to see if you qualify. This is a multi-step screening process. https://is.gd/research_screening

Recruitment age range: 18-70 years old

Contact information for participant inquiries: Merve Gulser mgulser@stanford.edu

Key words:  depression, TMS

Apnea and Insomnia Research (AIR) Study

The study aims to improve sleep of people who have both insomnia and sleep apnea. Most eligible participants will receive online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTi). The treatment is free of charge; but we will also ask you to periodically complete study questionnaires and use a wearable device that tracks your sleep patterns. You will receive payment for expenses and inconveniences associated with study related activities for a total of up to $600.  

You can read more about the study at: airstudy.stanford.edu. If you would like to learn more about the AIR study and find out if you might be eligible to participate, please fill out our contact form.

Recruitment age range: 21-80 years old

Contact information for participant inquiries:  Aysha Abraibesh, MPA aysha.abraibesh@stanford.edu

Key words:  sleep apnea, insomnia, sleep

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Two Arm Multi-Center Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of a Once Nightly Formulation of Sodium Oxybate for Extended-Release Oral Suspension (FT218) for the Treatment of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Cataplexy in Subjects With Narcolepsy

This is a single nightly formulation drug, FT218, for the treatment of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Cataplexy in subjects with Narcolepsy. Participants must have documented evidence of Narcolepsy Type-1 or Type-2, and no prior use of Xyrem.

Recruitment age range: 16+

Contact information for participant inquiries:  Polina Davidenko (650) 721-7552

Key words:  Narcolepsy, Cataplexy

Ultrashort Light Pulses as a Personalized Countermeasure for Circadian Desynchrony

Stanford University and the Palo Alto VA are seeking participants, ages 18-35, for a research study investigating the use of bright light to improve nighttime alertness and change the timing of the circadian clock.  2-day/night stay at the VA Sleep Lab, 2-weeks of at-home sleep monitoring using a wrist-watch device. Participants must be healthy, non-smokers, without sleep problems. Volunteers paid up to $400 for successful completion of 2-day/night stay in VA Sleep Lab.

Recruitment age range: 18-35

Contact information for participant inquiries: 1-650-849-1971

Key words:  Jet lag, sleep

Arousal Induced by Medication Study (AIMS)

The goal of this trial is to evaluate the benefit and safety of antidepressant and psychotherapy treatment in teens who are seeking treatment for depression or anxiety and have a possible family history of bipolar disorder (If you are not sure, no problem! Your family may come in for an evaluation to see). These youth receive free drug therapy and psychotherapy and complete behavioral, clinical, physiological, and genetic assessments, as well as MRI scans of the brain.

Recruitment age range: 12-17

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-721-4049  |  thepearlab@stanford.edu

Key words:  Pediatric, mood, MRI

For more information on our lab and studies, please visit this webpage: https://med.stanford.edu/pedmood/research/JoinAStudy.html. This webpage also contains a survey link that you may complete if interested in finding out if your family might be eligible to participate in one of our studies!

Risk & Resilience Study (RnR)

The goal of this study is to discover factors that make youth either vulnerable or resilient to developing mood symptoms. Youth with a possible family history of bipolar disorder (If you are not sure, no problem! Your family may come in for an evaluation to see) are invited to participate.

Recruitment age range: 8-17

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-721-4049  |   thepearlab@stanford.edu

Key words:  Pediatric, mood, MRI

For more information on our lab and studies, please visit this webpage: https://med.stanford.edu/pedmood/research/JoinAStudy.html. This webpage also contains a survey link that you may complete if interested in finding out if your family might be eligible to participate in one of our studies!

Narcolepsy with Cataplexy

This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized-withdrawal,  multicenter study of the efficacy and safety of JZP-258 for the treatment of Narcolepsy Type II.

Recruitment age range: 18-70

Contact information for participant inquiries: Kary Newman (650) 721-7574

Key words:  Narcolepsy, Cataplexy

A study on realization of objective evaluation method of depression using sleep EEG

The purpose of this study is to test the ability of a brainwave  measurement device (SLEEPSCOPE) in identifying and assisting in  the diagnosis of depression. The brainwave data from individuals  with untreated depression and healthy participants will be  collected and analyzed. The ability to obtain brainwave data from  individuals in their homes while they're sleeping would represent  a  significant advance in depression research. We are recruiting both individuals with Major Depression and Healthy Volunteers for this study.

Recruitment age range: 30-59

Contact information for participant inquiries: Kary Newman (650) 721-7574

Key words:  depression, sleep

Impact of Affect Reactivity and Regulation on Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions

Women diagnosed with breast cancer face decisions about how to treat the affected breast as well as whether or not to remove the unaffected one. In our research study, we will be looking at the factors that may influence these treatment decisions. We would like to better understand what women think and feel as they are deciding on their cancer treatment.  Interested individuals can also leave their contact  information in a Stanford secure website by going to the following link: https://is.gd/StanfordTreatmentDecisionStudy

Recruitment age range: 18 and older

Recruitment gender: Female

Contact information for participant inquiries: (650) 723-5736  |  treatmentdecisionstudy@stanford.edu

Key words:  breast cancer

MOSAIC: Managment Of Insomnia in Breast Cancer Patients

As many as 80% of cancer patients experience sleep problems. Researchers at Stanford Cancer Center are conducting a study funded by the National Cancer Institute to treat and prevent sleep difficulties in breast cancer patients using behavioral treatments - that means one less drug.

Recruitment age range: 21+

Recruitment gender: Female

Contact information for participant inquiries: Oxana Palesh

Key words:  sleep, breast cancer, insomnia

Investigation of Functional Networks in the Human Brain Using Neuroimaging and Neuromodulation

This is a research study of brain structure and function. From this research we better understand how regions in the brain are interconnected and if the interconnections in the brain function differently in people with who have or have not had traumatic experiences.

Recruitment age range: 18-45

Contact information for participant inquiries: plongwel@stanford.edu

Key words:  depression, PTSD, fMRI, TMS, EEG

Biomarker Establishment for Superior Treatment of PTSD

Establishing objective diagnosis for Veterans with PTS using cutting-edge brain science. Our goal is to ensure Veterans are getting the most effective and personalized treatment. We seek to develop clinically useful measures to predict treatment outcomes in real world settings.

Recruitment age range: 18+

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-683-5980  |  ptsdbrainstudy@stanford.edu

Key words:  PTSD, Veterans, Brain

Water-based Activity to Enhance Recall in Veterans

You are being asked to take part in a study for improving memory in veterans 50 to 90 years of age, who have mild memory problems. We hope to learn whether exercise improves memory training by using a water base intervention.

Recruitment age range: 50-90 years old

Contact information for participant inquiries: Heather Taylor at Heather.Taylor5@va.gov or 650-493-5000 ext 68957

Key words: Exercise, Memory

Investigation of Functional Networks in the Human Brain Using Neuroimaging and Neuromodulation

This is a research study of brain structure and function. From this research we better understand how regions in the brain are interconnected and if the interconnections in the brain function differently in people with who have or have not had traumatic experiences.

Recruitment age range: 18-45

Contact information for participant inquiries: plongwel@stanford.edu

Key words:  depression, PTSD, fMRI, TMS, EEG

Online Cognitive Training to Alleviate Symptoms of Anxiety

Assessing the effectiveness of different computerized online games on emotion regulation, well-being and brain function in individuals with elevated levels of anxiety. First, we hope to investigate the effectiveness of a computer-based intervention in patients for improving emotion regulation. The second goal is to explore the brain-circuits and the mechanisms that underlie improvement using advanced functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) methodology. The training period is 45 consecutive days, 45 minutes in each day.

Recruitment age range: 18+ years

Contact information for participant inquiries: psychiatry@stanford.edu

Key words:  anxiety, depression, online

Bipolar Family History Study (Janssen)

This is an observational study that invites adolescents and young adults of parents with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder to provide clinical, genetic, and other biological information at 6-month intervals over a 2-year period. The goal of the study is to evaluate early risk markers that are targets for treatment with the overall goal of delaying or preventing the onset of bipolar disorder in at-risk youth.

Recruitment age range: 15-25 years

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-721-4049  |  thepearlab@stanford.edu

Key words:  bipolar disorder, depression, mania

For more information on our lab and studies, please visit this webpage: https://med.stanford.edu/pedmood/research/JoinAStudy.html. This webpage also contains a survey link that you may complete if interested in finding out if your family might be eligible to participate in one of our studies!

Clinical Outcomes Assessment

As part of our commitment to providing your child and family cutting edge, scientifically supported care, the Early Life Stress and Pediatric Anxiety Program (ELSPAP) is conducting comprehensive anxiety evaluations in an ongoing research study. Through our baseline evaluations, ongoing outcome assessment, and tangible feedback reports, families will benefit from greater access to higher quality services.

Contact information for participant inquiries: elspapanxiety@stanford.edu

Key words:  Anxiety disorders, psycho diagnostic evaluation, children/adolescents ages 7-17

Stanford/VA California Alzheimer's Disease Center

Stanford/VA Alzheimer's Center offers information, referral services and comprehensive diagnostic assessments of individuals with memory problems. In addition to providing advanced caregiver support, intervention, community education, and professional training, the Center plays an important role in developing a central pool of information on Alzheimer's disease in California.  No cost memory evaluation for veterans and non-veterans with memory concerns or other cognitive problems. http://med.stanford.edu/svalz.html

Recruitment age range: 45-90

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-858-3915

Use of rTMS to Augment Hypnotic Analgesia

The investigators plan to use functional neuroimaging (fMRI) to understand the brain systems affected when hypnosis and hypnotic analgesia are augmented with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation to 100 people with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition. The investigators will measure the effect of rTMS- augmentation on the brain networks underlying hypnotizability, as well as the effect of rTMS-augmentation on hypnotic analgesia networks. The investigators hope to demonstrate that a combination of these psychological and neuromodulatory treatments will be more effective than hypnosis alone, thereby enhancing the depth of hypnosis, range of hypnosis and the efficacy of hypnotic analgesia and hopefully creating a new treatment modality for individuals suffering from pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia pain.  If you have been diagnosed with fibromyagia and are interested in participating, please fill out our quick survey to see if you qualify (only takes ~2 minutes).  https://is.gd/brainstimulationstudy

Recruitment age range: 18-65yo

Contact information for participant inquiries: brainstimulationstudy@stanford.edu

Key words: fibromyalgia, hypnosis, TMS

Food and Mood Study

We are currently recruiting children and adolescents to participate in a brain-imaging study to understand how appetite and mood are related. Through this study, we hope to learn more about the neurological systems critical for the response and regulation of reward that contribute to both emotional health and insulin resistance. We also hope that these findings will help us identify which adolescents will go on to develop worsening mood symptoms. Participants are clinically evaluated for symptoms of depression, receive an MRI scan of the brain and are assessed for insulin sensitivity at 3 time points over a 2-year period.

Recruitment age range: 9-17

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-721-4049  |  thepearlab@stanford.edu

Key words: depression, insulin sensitivity

For more information on our lab and studies, please visit this webpage: https://med.stanford.edu/pedmood/research/JoinAStudy.html. This webpage also contains a survey link that you may complete if interested in finding out if your family might be eligible to participate in one of our studies!

Disease Recovery Evaluation and Modification (DREaM) Study

A Prospective, Matched-Control, Randomized, Open-Label, Flexible-Dose, Study in Subjects with Recent-Onset Schizophrenia or Schizophreniform Disorder to Compare Disease Progression and Disease Modification Following Treatment with Paliperidone Palmitate Long-Acting Injection or Oral Antipsychotics

Recruitment age range: 18-35

Contact information for participant inquiries: Daniel Virtheim: dmvirt@stanford.edu  |  (650) 353-7030

Key words: Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder

Confirming the Efficacy/Mechanism of an Adaptive Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa

Currently, the most promising treatment for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa is Family Based Treatment (FBT). In this study, all participants will receive standard FBT for Anorexia Nervosa administered by trained psychologists free of charge to the family. If participants fail to show sufficient improvement by study parameters by session 4, they will be randomized to receive either FBT + Intensive Parental Coaching (IPC) or FBT as usual. Each patient, regardless of randomization, is offered up to 18 sessions over the course of 9 months. The adolescent will also earn $50 upon completion of the entire study for their participation.

Recruitment age range: 12-18 years of age

Contact information for participant inquiries: familytreatment@stanford.edu  |  (650) 723-9182

Key words: eating disorders, FBT, Anorexia Nervosa

Study of the Effects of Long-Term Multi-Domain Cognitive Training on Large-Scale Structural and Functional Brain Networks in Alzheimer's Disease

Recent neuroimaging studies suggest that neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is so diffuse that it affects the global organization of brain networks. Innovative approaches are required to pinpoint network-level changes in response to cognitive training in those at risk of AD. The proposed research will help us examine the organization of structural and functional brain networks in mild cognitive impairment, identify the influence of cognitive training at large-scale brain network level, and characterize the influence of various risk modifiers on training outcomes.  We are looking for adults over the age of 65. Either healthy controls or individuals with MCI. Must be MRI compatible.

Recruitment age range: 65-90~ years

Contact information for participant inquiries: arjunra@stanford.edu  |  650-497-1479

Key words: mild cognitive impairment, older adults

VA Cultivating Access to Resources, Education, and Skills for Dementia Caregivers (VA CARES)

To address the high burden of caring for a Veteran with dementia, the primary purpose of this research program is to study how education and skill-building can improve quality of life for caregivers. The study will help researchers and clinicians better understand how to help families of Veterans with dementia. Eligible participants: Family caregivers of Veterans with dementia. Participants will be randomly assigned to either participate in a brief series of education and skill sessions led by a dementia expert or receive paper educational materials related to dementia and caregiving.

Recruitment age range: 18+

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-849-0481

Key words: dementia, caregivers, stress

Mobile Tablet Education to Advance Caregiver Health (Mobile TEACHing)

To address the high burden of caring for a Veteran with dementia, the purpose of this research is to study the effects of a rehabilitative intervention delivered via mobile tablets (e.g., iPad) directly to the homes of caregivers. The tablets will be customized with educational and skill resources.

Recruitment age range: 18+

Contact information for participant inquiries:  650-849-0481

Key words: dementia, caregiving, technology  

Evaluation of the Community Provider Toolkit and Military Culture Training

This project will increase access to resources and services for Veterans through evaluation. The long-term goal is to enhance access to and improve the quality of mental health care and support available to Veterans and their families. Lack of military cultural awareness in Community Mental Health care can result in Veterans feeling misunderstood by providers and contribute to increased treatment dropout. Easy access to information and training about military culture and treatment resources, as well as professional consultation, can increase the likelihood that providers are prepared to care for Veterans.

Recruitment age range: 18-90

Contact information for participant inquiries: Shannon.McCaslin@va.gov 650-493-5000 x22478

Key words: Community Provider, Social Worker, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Primary Care Doctor, and Military Culture Training, PTSD

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to Improve Memory in Older Adults

VA researchers are studying whether memory can be improved using a technique called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Up to $375 compensation for completing the study, plus mileage reimbursement. If you qualify for the study, you would take part in 20 sessions (approx. 30-60 min) over 2-6 weeks at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Advanced neuroimaging using PET-MRI will be conducted at Stanford University. There will also be follow-up interviews at 6 months.

Recruitment age range: 50-75 years

Contact information for participant inquiries: (650) 493-5000 x 62930

Key words: cognition, memory, tbi, pet-mri