Psychosocial Research Studies
The Psychosocial Research Center at The Children’s Hospital is currently recruiting children to participate in two research studies (see below). All participants will be seen by specialized physicians who will aid in the evaluation of their condition. Studies are led by the following psychiatrists:
About Our Studies
A complete evaluation will be done at the beginning and end of the study with weekly or biweekly monitoring by a psychiatrist throughout. All study-related assessments and medication are provided at no cost. The study medications are investigational. There is no cost to participate in any of our studies. There is no charge for your visits with the psychiatrist, for your physical exam, and for any medications that you may receive.
Psychotherapy is not provided as part of these research studies; they are only medication clinical trials. Depending on the study, participation in psychotherapy while you are involved in the study may not be allowed, or could be allowed under the conditions outlined in the protocol.
Contact Information
For more information about any of the following clinical research studies, call (720) 777-6200 and ask for Psychosocial Research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Be sure to review frequently asked questions from our study volunteers and to learn more about our psychosocial research studies.
Current Studies
Schizophrenia Study
Schizophrenia is a difficult mental illness to identify in adolescence. Schizophrenia can cause abnormal thinking, strange feelings, and unusual behavior. Schizophrenia can occur in both males and females. Although there is no cure for schizophrenia, there are treatments, including medications that can effectively control the symptoms. Current medications have been proven safe and effective in adults, but have yet to be thoroughly studied in adolescents.
The symptoms of schizophrenia include:
If you or your child are 13 to 17 years old, are in general good health, and have been experiencing these symptoms for the past month, you may qualify to participate in a clinical research study for Schizophrenia. COMIRB 07-0499 and 07-0500
Depression Outcomes Study of Exercise (DOSE)
We're looking for teens with major depressive disorder (MDD) to participate in a research study to examine the effects of exercise on depression. This study is being funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH).
Prior to entering the study, potential participants will undergo two or more psychiatric screening assessments to see if they would be eligible.
We're looking for participants ages 12-17 who have symptoms of major depression, which includes experiencing five or more of the following during the same two-week period that are a change from previous functioning:
- Troubles sleeping
- Troubles with appetite
- Troubles with low energy
- Problems with low self-esteem or guilt
- Loss of pleasure or enjoyment, or loss of interests in activities
- Recurrent thoughts of suicide
Teens are NOT eligible for the study if they:
- Are currently receiving treatment for MDD
- Have had past or present hypomanic or manic episode(s)
- Are having active symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations or delusions
- Are having significant problems with alcohol or street drug use
- Are pregnant
- Live outside of the Denver city limits
Depression Study Details
In the initial phase, lasting up to 12 weeks, all eligible adolescents will receive exercise in combination with clinical monitoring of depressive symptoms.
All participants will receive a membership to the local Denver recreation center, and all exercise will be supervised by a recreation therapist to insure participants are performing the required amount of exercise.
If you are a parent or guardian of a teen, or are treating a teen, who is interested in this study, please contact Jennifer, the Project Coordinator, at (303) 565-4321 x3673 or email info@doseforteens.org. There will be rolling admission into the study until December 2010. This study is being funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Mental Health.
NIMH R34MH082153
