Boston, MANCT05624931Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Depression Clinical Trial in Boston, MA

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

Sponsored by Boston University Charles River Campus

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Expert Care in Boston

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 Boston, MA

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Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Boston

    Convenient for MA 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 Boston site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Depression Study in Boston

Pregnant women in South Africa (SA) are at high risk of HIV acquisition. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use during pregnancy is both safe and effective in preventing HIV. However, posttraumatic stress (associated with intimate partner violence and/or other traumas) and depression negatively impact PrEP adherence among women in SA. Addressing posttraumatic stress and depression will likely improve PrEP adherence and persistence (i.e., sustained PrEP adherence over time) during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which are periods of dramatically increased HIV risk. The overarching goal of this proposal is to develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of a cognitive behavioral intervention that targets common underlying factors of posttraumatic stress and depression to improve PrEP adherence and persistence during pregnancy and the postpartum transition. The specific aims of the project are to (1) explore the mechanisms by which posttraumatic stress and depression impact PrEP adherence and persistence during pregnancy via qualitative interviews; (2) develop a brief PrEP adherence and persistence intervention (\~4 sessions) that reduces the negative impact of psychological mechanisms common to posttraumatic stress and depression on PrEP use, and builds behavioral skills to improve self-care; and (3) evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and signals of preliminary efficacy of the intervention, which will be integrated into antenatal care, in a pilot randomized controlled trial. All data will be collected in the Midwife Obstetrics Unit (MOU) in Gugulethu, a peri-urban settlement and former township community outside of Cape Town, SA.

Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

For participants across all three aims are:
Pregnant and presenting antenatal care at the Gugulethu MOU
HIV-negative
Recent PrEP initiation (\<1 month ago) or PrEP adherence challenges, either documented (\>2 weeks late to pick up PrEP refill) or self-reported
Moderate to severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress and/or depression (defined as a score of ≥31 on PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and/or a score of ≥13 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Cutoff scores may be adjusted by 3-5 points to facilitate recruitment.

Exclusion Criteria

There are no exclusion criteria with respect to parity or gravidity.
Participants who are unable to provide informed consent or assent in English or Xhosa
Have a significant psychiatric illness (e.g., active psychotic disorder or untreated bipolar disorder) that could interfere with participation will be excluded. Positive symptoms of active psychosis or mania will be assessed by the research assistants. They will be trained to identify delusions, hallucinations, disorganized or pressured speech, flight of ideas, and grandiosity as they speak to potential participants.
Potential participants will also be asked if they have any health conditions that make it difficult for them to travel to the clinic.

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 Boston?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT05624931) has an active research site in Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA

If you're searching for depression treatment options in Boston, MA, this clinical trial (NCT05624931) 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 Boston research site is actively enrolling participants for this 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.

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