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Currently Recruiting Studies

Are you interested in participating in research? Explore the studies below for more information.

For Participants

To speak with an informed individual who is unaffiliated with specific research call (866) 680-2906 for questions, concerns, or complaints about research, research related injury or questions about the rights of a research participant.

For Researchers

To update or remove the study information listed on this page, please email mhantke@stanford.edu

To submit an IRB approved study for posting, please fill out this form.

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Extended Reality Behavioral Activation: An Intervention for Major Depressive Disorder

Stanford’s Virtual Reality-Immersive Technology (VR-IT) Clinic & Laboratory is inviting people who experience symptoms of depression to participate in an immersive virtual experience. Participation may include using a Quest virtual reality headset, a mobile application, and completing questionnaires regarding your experience.

Participation takes approximately 60 minutes per week for 3-weeks.

This is an unpaid study.

Recruitment age range and gender: 18 years and older

Contact information for participant inquiries: Call 650-736-1569 or email mdpaul@stanford.edu

Key words: depression

Speaker-listener coupling and brain dynamics during naturalistic verbal communication in children with autism

Participants will learn storytelling tips and create recorded stories to be used for children to listen to. Study involves neuropsychological assessment sessions, Zoom/in-person storytelling training sessions, MRI scan, & an audio recording session.

Recruitment age range and gender: Females, ages 25-50 years

Contact information for participant inquiries: braindevelopment@stanford.edu

Key words: cognition, development, story-telling

Teen Sleep Study

Recruitment age range: 12-18

Contact information for participant inquiries: teensleepstudy@stanford.edu

Key words: sleep, suicidal ideation, teens

Cognitive Control in ADHD

Recruitment age range:  8-10 years

Contact information for participant inquiries: braindevelopment@stanford.edu, or call (650) 248-2862

Key words: ADHD, Cognition, Development

Teen Health Study

Recruitment gender and age range: Females between the ages of 13-15 years

Contact information for participant inquiries: teenhealthstudy@stanford.edu; (650) 549-4829

Key words: eating disorders, risk factors, prevention

COPE (Caring Online Peer Encouragement) Group To Improve Outcomes for Vulnerable Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Recruitment age range: 12-17 years

Contact information for participant inquiries: cosgrovelab@stanford.edu

Key words: adolescents, mood, depression

Efficacy of Nitrous Oxide in OCD: A Pilot Study

  • You have OCD
  • 18-65 years old
  • Currently off medications

Recruitment age range: 18-65

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

Key words: OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Causal Brain Mechanisms of Value-Based Attentional Capture in Depression

Recruitment age range: 18+

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-353-7941

Key words: Depression, Decision Making, Attention

Looking to Understand Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Alzheimer's Disease (L.U.N.A. Study)

Sleep loss can negatively impact the brain networks that regulate emotion. Research suggests that insomnia contributes to depressive mood symptoms. The CoPsyN Sleep lab at Stanford University is conducting a study to investigate the degree to which the emotional regulation brain network is modified by improving sleep in individuals with or at risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

Individuals who are between 50 and 90 years old, experiencing mood symptoms, memory impairments and trouble sleeping may be eligible for this study. Eligible participants will receive a sleep evaluation, individual treatment for insomnia, and compensation for participation. This study will require visits to Stanford University. 

Recruitment age range: 50 and 90

Contact information for participant inquiries: To learn more please call (650)721-6089, email lunastudy@stanford.edu, or fill out the interest form.

Key words: sleep, memory, depression

Online Paid Research Study: Understanding Suicide Attempt Risk Factors

Recruitment age range: 18 to 65

Contact information for participant inquiries: itsastudy@stanford.edu; 650-497-2577

Key words: suicide risk factors

Healthy Adults Needed for FLASH Study

  • 2-day/night stay at the VA Sleep Lab
  • 2 weeks of at-home sleep monitoring using a wrist-watch device
     

In lab performance will be tested using flight simulation software.

Participants must be healthy, non-smokers, without sleep problems. Volunteers paid up to $700 for successful completion of both 2-day/night stays in VA Sleep Lab.

Recruitment age range: 18-35

Contact information for participant inquiries: Yvonne Quevedo at (650) 849-1971 or yvonne.quevedo@va.gov

Key words: sleep disorders, insomnia

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

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

Understanding the emotional impact of pandemics

Do you provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with ANY physical or mental health condition? Stanford researchers are conducting an anonymous, international, online survey to understand what it is like to be a caregiver in these uncertain times. You don't have to be a caregiver of COVID to participate! The survey will take ~15 minutes to complete and people living anywhere in the world can respond.

Recruitment age range: 18+

Contact information for participant inquiries: Ranakt@stanford.edu

Key words: caregiver, carer, caregiving

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

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

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

Exercise & the brain study - Adolescents (12-20 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 12-20 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: 12-20 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

The role of the brain stem in Gulf War Veterans Illness pathology

  • Are you a Veteran?
  • Did you serve during the first Gulf War from 1990-1991?
  • Is your body free of permanent metallic objects?

You are invited to participate in a research study involving Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in US Veterans serving during the 1990-1991 Gulf War. About 30% of Veterans who served in the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War are suffering from Gulf War Veterans’ Illness (GWVI), a chronic condition that is still not well understood and for which adequate treatment is lacking. This study investigates the role of the brain stem in regulating pain and sleep in GWVI using advanced brain imaging and psychophysical measurements.
   
If applicable, all travel accommodations will be provided by the research team (flight, lodging, car transportation).

Recruitment age range: 48+

Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-374-7962

Key words: gulf war illness, veterans, MRI, chronic pain, sleep disorders

Water-based Activity to Enhance Recall in Veterans

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

Recruitment age range: 50 years of age and older

Contact information for participant inquiries: (650)-493-5000 ext. 65992

Key words: Exercise, Memory

pSOPT Study: Personalized Engine for Speed of Information Processing

Have you noticed any decline in your memory of thinking abilities?
Are you between the ages of 60-89?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to both of these questions, you may be eligible to participate in a study on personalized computer-based training programs and biofeedback!

What is involved if you qualify for participation in this 6-week study?

  • 1 cognitive assessment at the beginning of the study.
  • 6 weeks of computer-based cognitive training.
  • Up to three 1-hour sessions per week, which will be done in a private research lab.
  • Biofeedback recordings of heart and breathing rate during the training.
  • A brief meeting at the end of the study to hear your feedback!
  • All participants are reimbursed for transportation and their time!

Recruitment age range and gender: 60+

Contact information for participant inquiries: 603-973-1670, email: stherrie@stanford.edu

Key words: Memory, Cognitive Training

Fluoxetine/Dextromethorphan in Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: an Open-Label Crossover Pilot Study

  • Are you 18-65 years old?
  • Are you taking fluoxetine, or not taking medications?
     

We are actively screening individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the related disorders body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), illness anxiety disorder (IAD), and somatic symptom disorder (SSD) for our Flex Study (Fluoxetine/Dextromethorphan in Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: an Open-Label Crossover Pilot Study).
   
Purpose: To understand whether dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter cough medicine, may bring about improvement in symptoms of OCD and other disorders characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts when used together with fluoxetine.

Recruitment age range: 18-65

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

Key words: OCD, BDD, IAD

Impacts of Discrimination and Racism Experienced by Asian Medical Students, Residents, and Fellows Subsequent to Covid-19

Recruitment age range: 18+

Contact information for participant inquiries: DR. HUIQUIONG DENG, 650-498-7430 HDENG397@STANFORD.EDU & DR. AMY ALEXANDER, AMY.ALEXANDER1@STANFORD.EDU

Key words: COVID-19, anti-Asian discrimination, mental health

Treating Insomnia Related Emotion Brain Dysregulation (TIRED-Brain Study)

Recruitment age range: 25 to 60

Contact information for participant inquiries: tiredbrain@stanford.edu

Key words: sleep, anxiety, depression

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

Recruitment age range: 18-65

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

Key words: emotional eating, eating disorders, treatment

Opiate Suicide Study in Patients with Major Depression

We are doing this research study to find out if the opioid properties of Ketamine are responsible for its antidepressant effects. We are also looking to see if oral Buprenorphine will have an added benefit when taken for 4 weeks post infusion. If you are currently experiencing depression and have not responded to treatment with antidepressants or have an intolerance to these types of medicines, you may be eligible to participate in this study.

Under the close supervision and monitoring by the study clinicians, eligible subjects will receive a single infusion of ketamine 0.5mg/kg followed by oral buprenorphine or placebo for 4 weeks.

Recruitment age range: 18-70

Contact information for participant inquiries: Jessica Hawkins/ jhawk@stanford.edu

Key words: Major Depression/Treatment Resistant Depression

Autism Spectrum Disorder Math Elements Training

Do you have a child with high functioning autism? Participate in an exciting study to increase our understanding of math skill development and how the brain changes with math learning. We are currently seeking children with ASD who:

  • Are right handed
  • 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders
  • Don't have braces
     

We are also seeking typically developing children of the same ages!

Recruitment age range: 2nd to 4th graders

Contact information for participant inquiries: Go to our website at braindevelopment.stanford.edu or email at braindevelopment@stanford.edu or call 650.736.0056

Key words: autism, math, learning, cognition

Biomarkers of Social Impairments in Individuals with Hypothalamic-pituitary Disorders

The purpose of this research study is to investigate social functioning and biological markers, such as the neuropeptides oxytocin (OXT) and argininevasopressin (AVP), in individuals with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders and healthy control individuals between the ages of 6 to 55 years. Phenotypic and behavioral characterization will be conducted to identify social deficits, if present. An additional goal of this investigation is to test the relationship between blood-, saliva-, urine-, and CSF-based biological measurements (e.g., neuropeptide levels and neuropeptide receptor gene expression), and social functioning in individuals with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders.

Recruitment age range: 6-65 years

Contact information for participant inquiries: (650) 498-5187

Key words: hypothalamic-pituitary disorders, social functioning, healthy controls

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

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

Longitudinal Brain Imaging Studies of Cognitive Function

Brain Imaging Research Cognition in children! We are looking for children to participate in our various research Studies: Ages 5-14, right-handed, and do not have non-removable metal in their body or or mouth. Participation may include: Multiple visits, Clinical & Neuropsychological Assessments, Tutoring & take-home tablet games (provided), MRI scans where children play games while pictures of their brain are taken (Safe, noninvasive, no x-rays or harmful radiation.)

Recruitment age range: varies between 5-15 depending on the study

Contact information for participant inquiries: Please visit braindevelopment.stanford.edu or email braindevelopment@stanford.edu or call 650.736.3699

Key words: autism, adhd, cognition

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

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: Lauren Chang at (650) 498-8459   OR   Daniel Virtheim at (650) 353-7030

Key words: Schizophrenia, exercise, cognition

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: Romina Nejad at rnejad@stanford.edu

Key words:  depression, TMS

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

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

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

Nitrous Oxide for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Phase IIa Trial

Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) PTSD Research Study

  • Do you have symptoms of PTSD?
  • Are you a Veteran with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
  • Are you between the ages of 18 and 65?
     

You may be eligible to participate in a study to understand nitrous oxide's effects in PTSD.

Recruitment age range: 18-65

Contact information for participant inquiries: 
veteranshealth@stanford.edu or 650-723-4095

Key words: PTSD, veterans, VA

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

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