Palo Alto, CANCT06408246Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Depression Clinical Trial in Palo Alto, CA

Access cutting-edge depression treatment through this phase 2 clinical trial at a research site in Palo Alto. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by Stanford University

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Expert Care in Palo Alto

Access depression specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related depression treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this depression clinical trial in Palo Alto, CA

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Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Palo Alto

    Convenient for CA residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Palo Alto site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Depression Study in Palo Alto

The purpose of this study is to understand how a psychotropic medication called guanfacine affects brain network functioning in humans, and how this function interacts with cognitive impairments in people experiencing depressive symptoms.

Sponsor: Stanford University

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and lifestyle considerations (see Section 5.3) and availability for the duration of the study
Male or female
Age 18-60 years
Fluent and literate in English
Meets DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for MDE (major depressive episode), and criteria for current or recurrent nonpsychotic MDD using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI Plus)79
A total score of 10 or higher on the PHQ-8 at initial screening, including: a. Endorsement of anhedonia, as indexed by a response of "more than half the days" or "nearly every day" to Item 1 ("Little interest or pleasure in doing things") or endorsement of persistent negative mood, as indexed by a response of "more than half the days" or "nearly every day" to Item 2 ("Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless")
Meets criteria for cognitive dysfunction (C+ subgroup) or absence of cognitive dysfunction (C- subgroup) based on results from computerized behavioral testing of cognitive control performance (WebNeuro) and from fMRI scanning using the Go/No-Go task.

Exclusion Criteria

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
Presence of one or more of the following conditions established via the participant's medical record and confirmed using the MINI Plus:
bipolar disorder (I, II, not otherwise specified, current or lifetime)
psychosis (current or lifetime)
moderate to severe alcohol or substance use disorders (current)
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; current)
obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD; current or lifetime)
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; current or lifetime)
eating disorders (ED; current)
Suicidality with active plan
Severe impediment to vision, hearing, and/or hand movement
Current or lifetime history of medical illness or brain injury that may interfere with assessments
Pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling or unable to use adequate birth control throughout the study (females of child-bearing potential only)
0T MRI scanner contraindications (e.g., metal in the body, claustrophobia)
Concurrent participation in other intervention studies
Current use of psychotropic medications contraindicated by guanfacine or sertraline
General medical condition or disorder that is deemed by study physicians to be unsafe for GIR as reported by patient or found on medical screening. This may include:
Cardiac-related exclusions:
Resting heart rate (HR) \< 55 beats per minute (bradycardia)
Systolic blood pressure (SBP) \< 90 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) \< 60 mmHg (hypotension)
Current symptoms suggestive of cardiac dysfunction based on clinician assessment (e.g., persistent chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, fainting)
Renal-related exclusions:
eGFR \< 60 mL/min/1.73 m²
Current symptoms suggestive of kidney dysfunction based on clinician assessment
Hepatic-related exclusions:
ALT \> 2× ULN
AST \> 2× ULN
Current symptoms suggestive of liver dysfunction based on clinician assessment
Thyroid-related exclusions:
TSH outside normal laboratory reference range
Current symptoms suggestive of thyroid dysfunction based on clinician assessment
Use of substance deemed by the study physician to be unsafe for use with guanfacine
Current use of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (e.g., ketoconazole) or inducer (e.g., carbamazepine) that, in the judgment of the study clinician, may alter guanfacine plasma concentrations and cannot be safely discontinued for the duration of the study.
Unwillingness to verify biotype classification via fMRI
Unwillingness or inability to use a computer or access a computer for assessments.

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Palo Alto?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT06408246) has an active research site in Palo Alto, CA that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Depression Treatment Options in Palo Alto, CA

If you're searching for depression treatment options in Palo Alto, CA, this clinical trial (NCT06408246) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Palo Alto research site is actively enrolling participants for this phase 2 clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced depression specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all depression clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

More Depression Trials in Palo Alto, CA

See all depression clinical trials recruiting in Palo Alto — not just this study.

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