NAMI Colorado has a strong commitment to advancing brain research and regards participation in clinical trials as one way family members and persons with mental illness can contribute to expanding the “knowledge frontier” in this critical field of study. NAMI Colorado has historically actively recruited participants for all relevant clinical trials in a variety of ways: through our newsletters, posting information regarding the trials on our website, providing information about the trials to students in our various education programs, and opening our conferences to personnel conducting the trials so they can meet with prospective participants and recruit them into the research programs. Of course, individuals have to decide whether or not joining a clinical trial is appropriate for them personally and be comfortable with the process, but NAMI Colorado strongly encourages family members and consumers to consider involvement in clinical trials.
The current status of these trials are unknown. Some may be on going while others may have ended. If you find that any of these programs are defunct and should be removed please call the office.
Children's Hospital: Adolescent Bipolar Depression Study
Teen bipolar depression is a serious condition that involves intense mood swings from feeling extremely happy to feeling very depressed. Teen bipolar disorder can be hard to diagnose, but once it is, it is treatable using a variety of medications.
The symptoms of bipolar depression include: Period of extremely high energy followed by frequent bouts of depression, including feelings of worthlessnes Episodes of irritabilityTrouble focusing on activities at hand
If you or your child are 10 to 17 years old, are in general good health, and have been diagnosed with Bipolar I disorder and are in a currently clinically depressed state, you may qualify to participate in a clinical research study for Adolescent Bipolar Depression. Click this link to learn more: Children's Hospital Adolescent Bipolar Depression Study
Or contact: Study Coordinator, Darci Anderson at either 720-777-4122 or anderson.darci@tchden.org
NIMH, NIH and Dept. of Health and Human Services: Pediatric Bipolar Disorder Research Study
Re: Use of Riluzole in Treating Anxiety Associated with Pediatric Bipolar Disorder
This study is testing the effectiveness of riluzole versus placebo for decreasing anxiety in children with pediatric bipolar disorder (BP). Children and youth with bipolar disorder display episodic elevated mood and associated symptoms of decreased need for sleep, increased goal-directed behavior, and increased self-esteem/grandiosity. Children ages 9 to 17 with BP may be eligible to participate in this 12- to 15-week inpatient or outpatient study.
This study has four phases. During Phase I, participants are gradually withdrawn from all current psychotropic medications. Phase II is a one-week medication-free period. During Phase III, which lasts two weeks, participants are randomly assigned to also receive either riluzole or placebo (a "sugar pill"). Phase IV lasts for 6 weeks. During this time, participants continue riluzole or placebo. At the end of the study, those who received placebo have the opportunity to receive riluzol. All medications and procedures associated with the research are provided at no cost to participants, and assistance with transportation and lodging expenses is available. Schooling will be provided while on the inpatient unit or in day treatment. To find more information, please call (301) 496-8381 or email bipolarkids@mail.nih.gov . For more information on research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, MD click here http://patientinfo.nimh.nih.gov.
NIMH: Bipolar Disorder (Adult) Research Study "Antidepressant (Rapid) Effects of Ketamine"
If you (or someone you know) have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you may be able to participate in a trial designed to understand the causes of depression and rapid antidepressant response. Specifically, we are testing whether ketamine, a drug that affects glutamate in the brain will improve symptoms of depression within a matter of hours. If you are 18-65 years of age and have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and previously failed to respond to treatment, you may be eligible for an inpatient trial designed to bring about a rapid antidepressant effect. After completion of the study the participant is transitioned back to a clinician in the community.
In addition, all research participation is without cost and we will cover all transportation costs from anywhere in the United States. Compensation is provided for study procedures.
To find out if you qualify or for more information, please call 1-877-MIND-NIH (1-877-646-3644) or email us at moodresearch@mail.nih.gov
National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services.
For more information on research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, MD click here http://patientinfo.nimh.nih.gov
Research at The University of Colorado Denver Needs Pregnant Women Volunteers
Study looking at the effects of Choline on fetal brain development in pregnant women with a mental illness
We, at the University of Colorado Denver are looking for women between 11 and 17 weeks pregnant to join a research study about how babies’ brains develop and how this information could help us identify and treat mental illness.
We are investigating the effects of choline on the development of babies’ brains. Choline is a nutrient that is naturally found in the body and in many foods. Few pre-natal vitamins contain choline. Choline is essential for cells to function properly. It is used to make molecules that send signals between nerve cells, including those in the brain. Choline is shown to have the potential to improve memory and learning.
Study may include
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Taking choline during pregnancy (mother) and from birth to 3 months old (baby).
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Monthly visits with a study nurse. Blood draw from mother at 32 weeks and 36 weeks pregnant.
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Ultrasound to find out baby’s age.
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Interview and questionnaire about medical history, pregnancy, and baby’s development
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Tests of baby’s response to audio and video recordings.
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Assessments of baby’s development.
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DNA sample – blood draw from mother and cheek swab from baby.
ALL study related supplements, blood draws, ultrasounds, and monthly visits will be FREE OF CHARGE. Enrolled participants will be compensated for their time.
For more information, please contact: Julie Beuler, RN, 303-724-6205, Julie.Beuler@ucdenver.edu
COMIRB #04-0678 Principal Investigator: Randal Ross, M.D.
NIMH Research Trials Needs Volunteers
"Schizophrenia: Can Cognitive Function be enhanced? "
NIMH investigates the effects of medications on cognition
NIMH is conducting inpatient research trials using FDA- approved medications known to influence the cognitive functions of the brain for disorders other than schizophrenia. The question remains whether medications could have an effect on the memory and general cognitive abilities of an individual with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Researchers are also interested in studying how genes may influence the effect that these medications might have on individuals’ cognitive abilities. click here for details
The University of Colorado Boulder Study on Family-Focused Psychoeducation For Bipolar Adolescents
Principal Investigator: David J. Miklowitz, Ph.D.
The Colorado Family Project, based at the University of Colorado, Boulder’s Psychology Department, is conducting a study of the effectiveness of family education for teenagers with bipolar disorder. Participating families will be assigned randomly (by chance) to one of two family educational treatments, one that is intensive (26 weekly, biweekly, monthly, and trimonthly sessions) and one that is less intensive (3 weekly sessions). Both treatments are educational and focus on helping family members to understand and cope better with bipolar disorder, develop plans for preventing relapses, communicate more effectively, and solve family problems. There are no monetary costs for the program.
Participation in the study lasts for two years. Adolescents must be willing to be seen by a physician affiliated with the study who administers and monitors their medications. Medication treatments are determined by the needs of the adolescent. Once in the study, participating adolescents and their parents take part in regular research interviews and fill out questionnaires concerning their individual and family functioning. The family receives compensation for each of these research visits.
Families may participate if they have a teenager between the ages of 13 and 17 who may have bipolar disorder and who has had an episode of mania, mixed disorder, hypomania, or depression within the last 3 months. The adolescent cannot be simultaneously in weekly individual or family therapy with another provider, or have substance or alcohol abuse or dependence problems that require immediate treatment. Family members must be willing to participate in regular treatment sessions.
If you are interested or know someone who might be interested, please contact David J. Miklowitz, Ph.D., at (303) 492-8575, or Elizabeth George, Ph.D., at (303) 207-1161 or at egeorge@psych.colorado.edu.
The University of Iowa Bipolar Genetics Study
The University of Iowa Bipolar Genetics Study has been awarded a federal grant to study manic-depressive disorder. This study is a part of a collaborative project with ten other university affiliated research groups to learn more about genetic factors that may influence the development of manic depression. Please look over this information and consider taking part in this research.
Genetic studies are a relatively new and exciting part of psychiatric research. The project involves reviewing the family histories of persons with manic-depressive disorder to establish patterns of heritability (genetic transmission). For a family to be enrolled in the study, it is necessary to have one member who has been diagnosed or has had symptoms of Bipolar Disorder.
The individual with Bipolar Disorder will be asked to complete a diagnostic interview and answer brief family history questions. This takes approximately 3-4 hours. Participants will be asked to donate a small blood sample for DNA testing. Scheduling is done to best suit the participant. Weekend and evening appointments are available for those who need them. Compensation will be provided.
http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/med/psychiatry/research/manicdepressivestudy.html
Read more....
Research at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Needs Volunteers
"Study of Brain Response to Sound in Schizophrenia"
The Neuromagnetic Imaging Center at the University of Colorado is looking for people between the ages of 13-45 to participate in a neuroimaging study of hearing in Schizophrenia. Our team is studying differences in responses to sounds between people who have Schizophrenia and those with no history of mental illness. Brain structure and activity will be measured using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study is being sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH.
Click here for general information on the Study (Study Purpose)
Click here for details of the Study (qualifications to participate, contact information, etc.)
Volunteers Needed for Research by the Department of Oregon Health & Science University
The Department of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon are looking for consumers who would be interested in participating in a brief interview related to research they are conducting.
OHSU is assisting Oregon's Addictions and Mental Health Division in evaluating the readiness of acute and outpatient psychiatric facilities to implement evidence-based practice, including medication algorithms.
Researchers at OHSU have interviewed clinical and administrative staff at these facilities. Now they would like to speak with consumers across the country who use psychiatric facilities (although not those currently in an
inpatient facility), to get their perspectives. They'll be asking questions about service delivery, communication between consumers and providers, and opportunities for consumer involvement in treatment.
The interviews with consumers will be conducted by telephone, and will take approximately 30-45 minutes. Participants' confidentiality will be protected in the report that results from this research. If you would like to participate or you know of a consumer or consumer advocate who might like to participate, or if you have any questions, you can send an email to bielavit@ohsu.edu, or call (503) 494-2566.
Click here for more information
Clinical Medication Trials at Children's Hospital in Denver
Children's Hospital is currently seeking children/adolescents to participate in Clinical Medication Trials
The Children’s Hospital in Denver is currently recruiting children and adolescents to participate in clinical medication trials for Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Autism. All participants will be seen by specialized physicians who will aid in the evaluation of their condition. If eligible, participants will either receive active medication or placebo (sugar pill) for several weeks and then receive the active medication for up to 6 months. Participants will receive all medication and study-related psychiatric care at no cost. Click here for details
John Hopkins Family Study
The Johns Hopkins Family Study is lead by principal investigator Dr. Ann Pulver. All of Dr. Pulver’s work is aimed at locating genes that are thought to create a susceptibility to Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder and Bipolar Disorder. This study is seeking the participation of Ashkenazi Jewish individuals who have been diagnosed with these disorders. There is no data to suggest there is a higher frequency of these disorders in persons of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. However, the pogroms and the tendency to marry within the community have resulted in a more genetically homogenous community. This genetic characteristic offers a distinct advantage in locating genes thought to contribute to complex diseases. To date there are over three thousand individuals and their family members enrolled in this study. Initial results of this research have recently been published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.
For more information or to see if you would qualify to participate in this study, please call the Epidemiology-Genetics Program at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine's toll free number: 1-888-289-4095.
Clinical Research at NIMH and NIH
NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) and NIH (National Institutes of Health) sponsor clinical trials/studies at state and local levels. NIH is developing various strategies for increasing awareness of the importance of clinical trials and of voluntary participants. A clinical trial (also known as clinical studies or clinical research) is a research study in human volunteers to answer specific health questions. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work, as well as ways to improve health. For additional information regarding a trial's purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details, go to http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is one of 27 components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Federal government’s principal biomedical and behavioral research agency. NIH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NIMH mission is to reduce the burden of mental illness and behavioral disorders through research on mind, brain, and behavior. This public health mandate demands that NIMH harness powerful scientific tools to achieve better understanding, treatment, and eventually, prevention of thesedisabling conditions that affect millions of Americans. To fulfill its mission, the Institute conducts research on mental disorders and the underlying basic science of brain and behavior; supports research on these topics at universities and hospitals around the United States; collects, analyzes, and disseminates information on the causes, occurrence, and treatment of mental illnesses; supports the training of more than 1,000 scientists to carry out basic and clinical research; and communicates information to scientists, the public, the news media, and primary care and mental health professionals about mental illnesses, the brain, behavior, mental health, and opportunities and advances in research in these areas. For additional information on the Institute and its mission, goals, and activities, please see http://www.nimh.nih.gov.
Follow the links below to locate research projects now underway in order to see if you or your family member would qualify as participants in any of these studies. Please Note: Any participation in a clinical trial/study should be collaborated with advice from your health care professional.
NIMH National Institute of Mental Health Clinical Trials
NIDA National Institute on Drug Abuse
NIH National Institutes of Health
