Currently Recruiting Studies

Immersive/2-D Emotion Regulation/Emotional Re-scripting Intervention for Emotion Eating within a Real-World Clinic Setting

This study aims to improve emotional regulation in adults who report emotional eating (e.g., eating in response to emotions rather than just physical hunger) with a history of an eating disorder (e.g., binge-eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, other specified feeding and eating disorder). This emotion regulation intervention uses immersive video experiences to help patients identify, experience, re-script, and better manage their emotions. The intervention consists of seven weekly sessions. As a participant you will have the choice of receiving the intervention or continuing the treatment you are already receiving (treatment as usual).

Recruitment age range: 18-65

Contact information for participant inquiries: zonipede@stanford.edu; 650-723-7885

Key words: emotional eating, eating disorders, treatment

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Adjunctive Suvorexant for Treatment-Resistant Insomnia in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

VA Palo Alto Healthcare System is investigating the use of suvorexant for treatment-resistant insomnia in patients with bipolar disorder.

• Participants will have an initial psychiatric exam and will be monitored during the 14-week study by a psychiatrist who specializes in bipolar disorder.
• For one week, participants will add suvorexant or a placebo to their current medication treatment.
• The following week, and for the next 3 months, all participants will receive suvorexant.
• There is no cost to participants and participants will receive some compensation for time and travel.

  
If you would like more information about this study please call E. Grace Fischer or leave a message on screening line at 650-849-0161. For information about the Bipolar and Depression Research Program please visit our website at http://bipolarresearch.stanford.edu/

Recruitment age range: 18 and older

Contact information for participant inquiries:  E. Grace Fischer at 650-849-0161

Key words: Bipolar, Insomnia

Confirming the Efficacy/Mechanism of Family Therapy for Children with Low Weight Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

Children ages 6-12 with a diagnosis of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and their families are invited to participate in a Family-Based Treatment (FBT) vs. a manualized Non-Specific Care (NSC) research study through the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. The study consists of 14 one-hour telehealth sessions in either treatment arm, along with required medical management, over the course of 4 months. Treatment will be provided by doctoral-level, highly skilled therapists.

Recruitment age range: 6-12 years

Contact information for participant inquiries: arfidstudy@stanford.edu

Key words: eating disorders, ARFID, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Accelerated Math Longitudinal Study

We are looking for RIGHT HANDED children AGES 5-7 with NO METAL IN THEIR BODIES. Participation may include:

• Initial visit plus 1- and 2-year follow up visits
• Clinical & neuropsychological assessments
• MRI scans where children play games while pictures of their brain are taken (safe, non-invasive, no x-rays or harmful radiation)
  
  

Recruitment age range: 5-7 years

Contact information for participant inquiries: Visit at braindevelopment.stanford.edu or email at braindevelopment@stanford.edu or call 650.736.3969

Key words: math, learning

A multicenter, open-label feasibility clinical trial investigating the tolerability of the Vorso Transcutaneous Stimulator system in adult female subjects with postpartum depression

The Vorso STIM100 System (manufactured by Vorso Corp, Redwood City, CA) is designed to deliver mild transdermal electrical stimulation to adult female subjects suffering from postpartum depression. The purpose of this research is to observe the tolerability and efficacy of Vorso’s transcutaneous electrical stimulation in subjects suffering from postpartum depression. Adverse events will be recorded and monitored.

This study will include 6 study center visits and women will be asked to use the device once daily for 15 minutes for 6 weeks. Participants will be compensated up to $300 for completing the study.

Recruitment age range: 18-45 year old females

Contact information for participant inquiries: kcarta@stanford.edu or 650-724-4559

Key words: postpartum depression, medical device, treatment

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:  zonipede@stanford.edu

Key words: eating disorders, binge eating, emotion regulation

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

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

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, 3rd, and 4th 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 - 4th graders

Contact information for participant inquiries:  Please visit braindevelopment.stanford.edu or email braindevelopment@stanford.edu or call 650-736-0056

Key words: math, learning, autism, cognition

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: Max Kasun at maxkasun@stanford.edu

Key words: physical activity, technology, adherence

Cognitive Training Study for Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Our research group at Stanford Psychiatry is conducting a new study to examine changes in brain function in response to online, computerized cognitive training games (brain training games). We are looking for individuals ages 65 to 85 with a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or who are experiencing memory problems who are interested in participating in our research.  

The participants will receive an honorarium of up to $200 for participation in addition to complementary access to a suite of online brain training games. The participants will also receive MRI brain imaging and cognitive assessments. No radiation or injection is involved. 

Recruitment age range: 65-85

Contact information for participant inquiries: Hannah at study_brain@stanford.edu or at 650-724-2939 or for more information, please visit: http://cbrain.stanford.edu/

Key words: memory, MCI, cognitive training

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

A Novel Neurofeedback Training Study for Children with ADHD

Our research group at Stanford Psychiatry is conducting a new study exploring changes in brain function in response to a novel neurofeedback training. We are looking for children ages 7-11 with a diagnosis of ADHD and/or experiencing attention problems who are interested to participate. Family will receive an honorarium of up to $300 for participation in addition to complimentary computerized cognitive training.

Recruitment age range: 7-11 years old

Contact information for participant inquiries: Hannah Fingerhut and Lauren Dacorro at adhd_study@stanford.edu or 650-724-2939 for more information or to enroll, please visit: http://cbrain.stanford.edu/

Key words:  ADHD, neurofeedback

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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