We are currently recruiting depressed adults (ages 21-60) for the Cellular Aging and Neurobiology of Depression (CAN-D) Study!
Study Description
The CAN-D Study is an NIMH-funded research study that seeks to gain a better understanding of how clinical depression affects hormones, certain indicators of cellular health, and aspects of neurobiology in adults, and to learn how these biological mechanisms change in response to clinical treatment with a standard (SSRI) antidepressant.
Study visits take place at the UCSF Parnassus Heights Medical Center. Participants will have their blood drawn and their mood and memory rated. Following these initial “baseline” procedures, participants will begin an 8-week course of treatment with a standard FDA-approved antidepressant (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; SSRI), provided by a UCSF faculty psychiatrist. This is an "open label" study, which means no placebos are used and all participants are aware of the exact medication they are taking while enrolled in the study. After completing all "baseline" activities and beginning antidepressant treatment, participants will return to UCSF after four and eight weeks of treatment for follow-up evaluations.
Participant Requirements
If you are a fluent English-speaker between the ages of 21-60, who is currently suffering from symptoms of depression and is otherwise healthy (no significant uncontrolled illnesses) and you are not taking any antidepressant medications, you may be eligible. Please refer to the following checklist:
Payment
Payment for completing all of study activities is prorated. Participants with depression will be paid up to $150. Healthy Control participants will be paid up to $75. All payment will be via a gift card. Some travel costs will be covered.
Contact Us
If you think you may be eligible and are interested in participating, please call email [email protected] to schedule your phone screen!