Chapel Hill, NCNCT05282277Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Depression Clinical Trial in Chapel Hill, NC

Access cutting-edge depression treatment through this phase 4 clinical trial at a research site in Chapel Hill. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Quick Self-Assessment

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Expert Care in Chapel Hill

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 Chapel Hill, NC

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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 Chapel Hill

    Convenient for NC 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 Chapel Hill site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Depression Study in Chapel Hill

This proposal will examine the effects of estradiol administration on perimenopausal-onset (PO) anhedonia and psychosis symptoms as well as on brain function using simultaneous positron emission tomography and functional magnetic resonance imaging (PET-MR).

Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures, lifestyle considerations, and availability for the duration of the study
44-55 years old unmedicated perimenopausal women who have ≥ 2 skipped menstrual cycles, amenorrhea ≥ 60 days, corresponding to the late menopause transition (Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW stage -1).
Anhedonia or psychosis symptoms that began during the period of menstrual irregularity.
Clinician's Global Impression Scale-Severity score (CGI-S) \> 3 to confirm a clinically impaired sample.
Anhedonia severity inclusion criteria and stratification: All participants will have Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) scores \> 20 consistent with the NIMH Fast-Fail Trial for Mood and Anxiety Disorders, corresponding to clinically impairing anhedonia.
Psychosis severity inclusion criteria and stratification: Participants will be stratified according to scores on the psychotic subscale of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS)
Willingness to adhere to the estradiol regimen

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnancy; allergies to any active or inactive ingredients in the Climara® patch or Prometrium®.
BMI \< 18 or \> 35 kg/m\^2
A history of chronic menstrual cycle irregularity, meaning \> 1 year without menses
MR contraindications: Metal in the body, dental work other than fillings or gold, tattoos, metal injury, any other implant unless they are 100% plastic.
PET contradictions: participation in \>1 research study in the past 12 months that included ionizing radiation exceeding 3 rem to the whole body (e.g., PET, CT). Standard of care imaging is not exclusionary.
The use of psychotropics or hormonal preparations.
History of psychiatric illness during the 2 years before the onset of perimenopause.
History of chronic, recurrent mood or psychotic disorders (i.e., more than one non-reproductive-related mood episode prior to the perimenopausal index episode).
A history of mood episodes requiring hospitalization.
Current mania;
Depressive episode(s) within 2 years of enrollment not associated with the transition to menopause;
A history of suicide attempts within the last year or current active suicidal ideation with intent and plan.
Neurological conditions (e.g., history of seizure or TBI)
Brain stimulation treatment in the past six months.
Endometriosis;
First degree relative with premenopausal breast cancer or breast cancer presenting in both breasts or multiple family members (greater than three relatives) with postmenopausal breast cancer.
Current medication use (i.e., current psychotropics, current anti-hypertensives, current statins, current hormonal preparations, or frequent use of anti-inflammatory agents (\> 10 times/month)). Women will be allowed to enroll who take medications without known mood effects (e.g. stable thyroid hormone replacement and occasional (\< 5 times/month) use of Ambien)\*;
Pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive;
Last menstrual period more than 12 months prior to enrollment;
History of undiagnosed vaginal bleeding;
Undiagnosed enlargement of the ovaries;
Polycystic ovary syndrome;
History of breast or ovarian cancer;
First degree relative with ovarian cancer;
Abnormal finding in a provider breast exam and/or mammogram;
Known carrier of BRCA1 or 2 mutation;
Malignant melanoma;
Hodgkin's disease;
Recurrent migraine headaches that are preceded by aura;
Gallbladder or pancreatic disease\*\*;
Heart or kidney disease\*\*;
Liver disease;
cerebrovascular disease (stroke);
First degree relative with history of heart attack or stroke;
Current nicotine use;
Self-reported claustrophobia
Peanut allergy
all reported prescription medications will be reviewed and cleared by a study physician prior to a participant's enrollment;
participants will be given the opportunity to describe these conditions in the online screening survey. Reported conditions that are acute in nature and/or benign will be reviewed by a study physician and exclusions will be decided case-by-case. All chronic conditions will be exclusionary. For those where it is deemed that an exclusion does not apply, primary analyses will not be affected, but exploratory analyses will be conducted excluding these individuals

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 Chapel Hill?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT05282277) has an active research site in Chapel Hill, NC 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 Chapel Hill, NC

If you're searching for depression treatment options in Chapel Hill, NC, this clinical trial (NCT05282277) 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 Chapel Hill research site is actively enrolling participants for this phase 4 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 Chapel Hill, NC

See all depression clinical trials recruiting in Chapel Hill — not just this study.

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