Volunteer for Research on Depression
in New York City.

Click here for information about many studies at Columbia University / New Your Psychiatric Institute
Study One: Genetics of Early Onset Recurrent Major Depression Study

There are many causes of major depression. One strategy for understanding possible genetic causes involves comparing the DNA from blood of brothers and sisters who suffer from this illness.

Eligibility criteria for a genetic study of major depression ongoing at Columbia University include: major depression before age 30; a living brother or sister who also has had major depression; age 21-70 . Subjects will be asked to participate in an interview and to donate a small amount of blood. Participants will be paid for their efforts.

If you think you may be eligible and would be interested in talking with a member of our professional staff confidentially about this study, please contact:

Simona Noaghiul, MD, MPH
New York State Psychiatric Institute, Unit 24
New York, NY 10032
Ph: (212) 543-6520

http://www.nyspi.org/depression/
Email: noaghius@child.cpmc.columbia.edu

The same study as above in Philadelphia.

Study Two: (NYC) Long Term Treatment of Major Depression:

All entering patients with Major Depression receive 12 weeks of open-label Prozac treatment, with no placebo. Responders are randomized to 1 year of maintenance or a switch to placebo. Relapsers during maintenance are removed from the study and given open treatment with Prozac if they relapsed on placebo and alternate pharmacotherapy if they relapsed on Prozac. Non-responders to Prozac will be given alternate antidepressants for up to 3 more months. Most patients with unipolar or bipolar 2 Major Depression without current alcohol or substance abuse are eligible. Previous Prozac treatment does not necessarily exclude potential subjects.

Study Three: (NYC) Depression and Alcohol Abuse.

Patients who are currently abusing alcohol and also have a depressive disorder are eligible for a 12 week study of Prozac compared to placebo. All patients get weekly individual counseling using a behavioral model for controlling drinking. Responders get 6 months follow up treatment with medication provided. Non-responders to placebo at 12 weeks get a trial of Prozac; non-responders to Prozac get alternate pharmacologic treatment which may include ReVia (naltrexone) or other antidepressants. Most patients in generally good health who do not need inpatient detoxification are eligible.

To volunteer for either of these studies please contact:

Patrick J. McGrath, M.D.
New York State Psychiatric Institute
722 West 168th Street
New York, New York 10032
Phone: 212-960-5764
Fax: 212-960-2326
Email: PJM5@Columbia.edu

Study Four: (NYC) Free treatment for 5 months in a research setting

Do you wish there were better treatment for depression?
With your help, there might be.
If you are depressed and between age 18-65, you may be eligible for a research study involving brain imaging and medication treatment at NO COST, to you at The New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University. We will provide 5 months of outpatient treatment for Major Depressive Disorder at NO COST, to you as part of a treatment study. Your participation in this study can help further our understanding of depression and speed the recovery of others who suffer from depression in the future. Inpatient treatment is also available. You will be paid up to $415 for your time and effort if you are eligible and choose to participate.

For more information, please call (212) 543-1427 or visit our website.

Study Four (SF Bay Area) Depressed adults living with children.
Adults with moderate to major depression who are living with children ages 10-16 are needed for a study on parental depression and its effects on children. Participation will involve a phone interview for the parent and questionnaires for both parents and children to complete. Families who complete all questionnaires will receive monetary compensation.
If interested, please contact Ellen Connell or Emily Wheeler at (650) 492-5000 ext. 22173

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Revised 4/7/07