Bethesda, MDNCT03388606Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Depression Clinical Trial in Bethesda, MD

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

Sponsored by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

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Expert Care in Bethesda

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 Bethesda, MD

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Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Bethesda

    Convenient for MD 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 Bethesda site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Depression Study in Bethesda

This research study seeks to find causes and treatments of depression in teenagers. The study goals are to increase our knowledge of treatments for depression and understand how the brain changes when teenagers have depression. The study will also compare teenagers with depression to those without mental health diagnoses. This outpatient study is recruiting participants ages 11-17 who are depressed. They must have a pediatrician or other medical provider, be medically healthy, and able to perform research tasks. They may not currently be hospitalized, psychotic or actively suicidal. Teenagers with depression are eligible even if they are taking medication. The study begins with an evaluation that includes clinical assessment, interviews, and questionnaires. * Visits may include paper-and-pencil and computer tests of mood, memory, and thinking; specialized computer games; and structural and brain imaging. If eligible, study participants may return several times a year for up to two years. This part of the study does not involve treatment. * Participants may be eligible for outpatient treatment for up to 25 weeks. This includes evidenced-based "talk" therapy. Participants may choose either Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents (IPT-A) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). If indicated, participants may opt to receive standard medication treatments along with psychotherapy. Research includes computer tasks and brain imaging. All clinical evaluations, research tasks and visits are free of cost. Participants are compensated for research activities. Parents and teenager must agree to the teenager s participation in research. The study is conducted at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland and enrolls participants from the Washington DC Metro region within 50 miles of NIH. Transportation expenses are reimbursed by NIMH.

Sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Youths who meet DSM 5 criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (Group 1) Inclusion criteria for Youth with MDD (all must be met):
Ages 11-17 at the time of enrollment in Characterization;
Current diagnosis of DSM-5 Major Depressive Disorder (within the last six months from assessment) which are:
Five or more of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure.
Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feeling sad, blue, "down in the dumps,"or empty) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful or about to cry). (In children and adolescents, this may present as an irritable or cranky, rather than sad, mood.)
Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities every day, such as no interest in hobbies, sports, or other things the person used to enjoy doing.
Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5 percent of body weight in a month) or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day.
Insomnia (inability to get to sleep or difficulty staying asleep) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much) nearly every day
Psychomotor agitation (e.g., restlessness, inability to sit still, pacing, pulling at clothes or clothes) or retardation (e.g., slowed speech, movements, quiet talking) nearly every day
Fatigue, tiredness, or loss of energy nearly every day (e.g., even the smallest tasks, like dressing or washing, seem difficult to do and take longer than usual).
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day (e.g., ruminating over minor past failings).
Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (e.g., appears easily distracted, complains of memory difficulties).
Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideas without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide
Symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational/academic, or other important areas of functioning.
The episode is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or to another medical condition. INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS:
Adolescent Healthy Volunteers (Group 3a)
Youth 11 to 17 years of age at time of enrollment in Characterization
the adolescent must be competent to assent; parents must be able comprehend and provide permission for their child (consent).
Participants will be willing to participate in NIMH IRB approved research protocols. Minors will be asked to sign assent forms and their parents will sign the consent form.
Participants will be willing to undergo an evaluation, which may include a psychiatric interview, review of medical history (including Tanner staging for minors), and pregnancy testing.
Speaks English.
Have an identified primary care clinician.
Adult Healthy Volunteers (Group 3b)
Adults 18 to 30 years of age at time of enrollment in Characterization
Subjects must be competent to consent.
Participants will be willing to participate in NIMH IRB approved research protocols.
Participants will be willing to undergo an evaluation, which may include a psychiatric interview, review of medical history, and pregnancy testing (for females).
Speaks English.
Has an identified primary care clinician. INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR PARENTS OF ENROLLED YOUTH (Group 4):
Are the biological parent or legal guardian of an enrolled adolescent (who is a healthy volunteer or has MDD) participant; Parents of those with s-MDD are historical only; none enrolled after Dec 2021.
Those of all ages are eligible if they are a parent of a currently enrolled participant

Exclusion Criteria

(All patients) -Exclusion Criteria for MDD patients (Group 1)
Meets criteria for schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective illness, bipolar disorder, more than mild Autism Spectrum Disorder, current Anorexia Nervosa or other severe Eating Disorder.
Intellectual disability (clinically identified or IQ \< 70)
For subjects with major depression or sub-threshold major depressive episode: Symptoms of depression are due to the direct physiological effects of a drug of abuse, or to a general medical or neurological condition by self and parent report.
Meets DSM-5 criteria for alcohol or substance use disorder (excluding tobacco and nicotine use) within the last three months. This is determined solely by clinical interview of child and parent (e.g., KSADS).
Current active suicidal ideation (i.e., presence of intent for engaging in suicidal behaviors). Youths with passive suicidal ideation and/or past active suicidal ideation are still eligible.
Participants with repeated self-harm occurring in the context of inter-personal conflict. -Exclusion criteria for youths meeting modified DSM criteria for Subthreshold Depression (Group 2) (this cohort is historical only; previously n=200 to be enrolled; ceased enrolling this population with Amendment J (2022); none enrolled after Dec 2021):
Intellectual disability (clinically identified or IQ \< 70).
Any serious medical condition (such as epilepsy, heart disease requiring medication) by self and parent report.
Past or current diagnosis of a manic or hypomanic episode, major depression), schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective illness, Tourette Disorder, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa or other severe Eating Disorder.
Meets DSM-5 criteria for alcohol or substance abuse within the last three months by self and parent report.
NIMH IRP Employees/staff and immediate family members will be excluded from the study per NIMH policy. -Healthy volunteer youths and adults exclusion criteria:
Intellectual disability (clinically identified or IQ \< 70).
Any serious medical condition (such as epilepsy, heart disease requiring medication) by self and parent report.
Past or current diagnosis of any mood disorder (manic or hypomanic episode, major depression), anxiety disorder (except specific phobia), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), Conduct Disorder, schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective illness, Tourette Disorder, or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Meets DSM-5 criteria for alcohol or substance abuse within the last three months by self and parent report; for adults, past history of substance dependency or substance abuse within the last three months by self-report. Parents of enrolled participants (group 3) exclusion criteria: --Parents who are unable to understand or read English well enough to complete the study interview and tests.

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 Bethesda?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT03388606) has an active research site in Bethesda, MD 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 Bethesda, MD

If you're searching for depression treatment options in Bethesda, MD, this clinical trial (NCT03388606) 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 Bethesda 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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