Search Results Within Category "Mental Health"
Accelerated rTMS for Substance Use Disorder and Depression
This study is a small open-label feasibility trial of an accelerated course of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for individuals with depression and stimulant use disorder [including methamphetamine or cocaine use disorder (MUD/CUD)].
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu
• Be aged 18-65 years, inclusive.
• Be able to sufficiently understand, speak, and read English to provide informed consent and ask relevant questions, and be willing to comply with all study procedure instructions.
• Self-report stimulant use (cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription stimulants) at least 10 days in the 30-day period prior to consent.
• Have a diagnosis of moderate or severe Cocaine or Methamphetamine Use Disorder (CUD/MUD) or other Stimulant Use Disorder over the past 12 months (as determined by the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview).
• Have a PHQ9 of greater than or equal to five (5).
• Be willing to provide urine samples, EEGs, and ECGs.
• Be willing to use appropriate birth control method during the treatment phase of the study, if individual is of childbearing potential.
• Have a current pattern of alcohol, benzodiazepine, or other sedative/hypnotic use that would preclude safe participation in the study, as determined by the PI or their designee.
• Have a history of a serious medical disorder that, in the opinion of the PI or their designee, would make it unsafe to participate in the study or may prevent collection of study data (e.g., disabling terminal diagnosis for which hospice care is being sought; serious illness requiring systemic treatment and/or hospitalization until participant either completes therapy and/or is clinically stable on therapy, in the opinion of the PI or their designee, prior to study entry).
• Have a documented history of unprovoked seizure (lifetime) or any seizure in the past 6 months.
• Have a documented history of brain lesion(s) and/or tumor(s).
• Have metal implants or non-removable metal objects above the neck.
• Current pregnancy as determined by a urine screening.
• Current or lifetime manic or hypomanic episode, defined by MINI diagnostic interview.
• Current psychotic disorder.
• Are a prisoner or in police custody at the time of eligibility screening.
A Research Study Comparing How Well Different Doses of the Medicine NN0519-0130 Help People With Excess Body Weight Lose Weight
This study will look at how a new medicine called NNC0519-0130 helps people with excess body weight lose weight. The study will test up to 6 different doses of NNC0519-0130. Participants will take 1-2 injections once a week. The study medicine will be injected under skin with a thin needle in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. The study will last for about 42 weeks.
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu
Identifying Strategies to Curtail Weight Regain After GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Treatment Cessation
Longitudinal studies show there is a steep increase in weight regain in the first 3-4 months after stopping GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (GLP-1s) and most patients regain most of their weight within a year. Insurers now question the utility of GLP-1s for weight loss as they are hesitant to cover these costs long-term (~$833 per person per month). Some patients would also prefer not to take these medications in perpetuity and are likely to struggle with lifelong adherence. These challenges present an opportunity to test alternative interventions, such as meal replacements and behavioral treatments, to support weight maintenance after successful weight loss with GLP-1s. This regimen would allow patients to benefit from significant weight loss in the first year of taking GLP-1s and use more cost effective and sustainable strategies for long-term maintenance.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Carolyn.Haskins@UTSouthwestern.edu
• 18 years of age or older;
• ability to read, write, and speak English;
• ability to provide informed consent;
• greater than 10% GLP-1 Receptor Agonist induced weight loss
• less than 30-days since GLP-1 Receptor Agonist cessation;
• willing to participate. Exclusion criteria:
• major psychiatric illness or substance misuse that could impair ability to participate;
• presence of a medical condition or dietary restriction precluding eating study meals or weight loss (e.g., medical condition requiring liquid diet, pregnancy, eating disorder);
• participation in a study or program involving medically tailored meals or Noom® within the past 12-months.
Socioecological Factors Associated With Ethnic Disparities in Bariatric Surgery Utilization and Post-WLS
The goal of this cross-sectional observational study is to examine potential relationships between the blood and gut microbiota of patients with obesity before and after weight loss surgery (WLS) and evaluate potential ethnic differences in the blood and gut microbiotas before and after the WLS. The main aims / objectives of this sub-study are: - Aim 1. Compare the relationship between the blood and the gut microbiomes among a sample of (1) pre-WLS and (2) 6-month post-WLS participants. Hypothesis: Blood bacterial composition will resemble that of the gut microbiome among pre-WLS participants. Because the effect of WLS on the blood microbiome is not known, our post-WLS results will be mostly exploratory. - Aim 2. Determine racial differences in the blood microbiome of the pre- and post-WLS groups. Hypothesis2: Ethnic differences will be detected in both the pre- and post-WLS groups.
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu
A Research Study to See How Well CagriSema Compared to Tirzepatide Helps People With Obesity Lose Weight
This study will look at how well CagriSema compared to Tirzepatide helps people lower their body weight. CagriSema is a new investigational medicine developed by Novo Nordisk that combines Cagrilintide and Semaglutide. CagriSema is not yet being prescribed by doctors. Participant will get injections once a week throughout the treatment period. Participant will inject the study medicine under the skin with a pen injector in the thigh, stomach, or upper arm. After a first low dose, the study medicine will be gradually increased until reaching the planned dose (2.4 mg CagriSema or 15 mg Tirzepatide). The study will last for about one and a half year for each participant.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Chioma.Elendu@UTSouthwestern.edu
Emotional Cognition: Establishing Constructs and Neural-Behavioral Mechanisms in Older Adults With Depression (ENSURE)
This is a cross-sectional pilot study designed to establish hot and cold cognitive functions and underlying neurocircuitry in older adults with MDD. The investigators will study 60 participants aged 21-80 years old with MDD. All participants will undergo clinical and neurocognitive assessment, and Magnetoencephalography (MEG)/Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures at one time point. The investigators will also enroll 60 demographically matched comparable, never-depressed healthy participants (controls) to establish cognitive benchmarks. Healthy controls will complete clinical and neurocognitive measures at one time point. To attain a balanced sample of adults across the lifespan, the investigators will enroll participants such that each age epoch (e.g., 21-30, 31-40, etc.) has a total of ten subjects (n=10) in both the healthy control cohort and depressed cohort.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Aatika.Parwaiz@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Male and female participants
• Age between 21-80 years old
• DSM-5 diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) based on Mini Neuropsychiatric Interview
• Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Clinician Rated version (IDS-C) total score > 14
• Able to read, write, and comprehend English
• Provide informed consent; willing to comply with study protocol
• History of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder
• Presence of psychotic features
• Lifetime central nervous system (CNS) disease (including head injury with loss of consciousness > 5 minutes)
• History of neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g., Autism spectrum disorder)
• History of medical conditions that can affect neurocognitive function as well as be confounded with age (e.g., thyroid disease, endocrine illnesses)
• History and current use of hormonal replacement therapy
• Women who are pregnant
• Current use of medications with known impacts on neurocognitive function (e.g., acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, amphetamine, methylphenidate, vortioxetine, sedatives)
• Alcohol/substance use disorder within past 3 months
• DSM-5 diagnosis of major cognitive impairment
• Current sensory or physical impairment that interferes with testing.
• Contraindication to MRI and MEG (only for depressed participants) (e.g., any electronic / metallic implants near or within the head or body, claustrophobia)
Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Two Administrations of COMP360 in Participants With TRD
Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of two administrations of COMP360 in participants with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Ann.House@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Aged ≥18 years at Screening
• Major depression without psychotic features (single or recurrent episode as informed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition [DSM-5])
• If the current major depressive episode is the participant's first lifetime episode of depression, the length of the current episode must be ≥3 months and ≤2 years at Screening
• MADRS total score ≥20 at Screening and Baseline to ensure at least moderate severity of depression
• TRD, defined as failure to respond to an adequate dose and duration of two, three, or four different pharmacological treatments for the current episode as determined through the Massachusetts General Hospital Antidepressant Treatment Response Questionnaire (MGH-ATRQ) and using the supplementary advice on additional antidepressants not included in MGH-ATRQ
• At Screening, agreement to discontinue all prohibited medications Key
• Prior or ongoing bipolar disorder, any psychotic disorder, including schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, brief psychotic disorder (unless substance induced or due to a medical condition), antisocial personality disorder as assessed by a structured clinical interview (MINI 7.0.2)
• Lifetime paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, histrionic, narcissistic personality disorder, or any ongoing serious psychiatric comorbidity based on medical history and clinical judgement
• Borderline personality disorder as demonstrated by medical history or the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus (MINI plus) - borderline personality disorder module
• Ongoing post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or anorexia nervosa as assessed by medical history and a structured clinical interview (MINI
• 0.2)
• Psychiatric inpatient within the past 12 months prior to Screening
• Use of electroconvulsive therapy, deep brain stimulation, or vagus nerve stimulation during the current depressive episode
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation within the past six months prior to Screening
• Current enrolment in a psychological therapy programme that will not remain stable for the duration of the study. Psychological therapies cannot have been initiated within 30 days prior to Screening
• Exposure to COMP360 psilocybin therapy prior to Screening
Obesity and OSA in Pregnancy
The purposes of this project are 1) to compare the impact of maternal obesity versus excessive gestational weight gain on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in obese and non-obese women; 2) to investigate the mechanism(s) by which obesity and OSA increase cardiovascular risk during pregnancy; and 3) to identify biomarker(s) for obesity-related OSA in pregnant women.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Lauren.Houston@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Both obese and non-obese (normal weight) early pregnant women aged ≥18 years old will be permitted to participate in this project.
• No restriction with respect to race and socioeconomic status
• Women with a prior history of complicated pregnancy (i.e., gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, etc.) will be allowed to participate.
• Obese women with previously diagnosed OSA will be allowed to participate if they are not currently on any recognized treatments such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), oral appliances or nasal expiratory positive airway pressure.
• Those who have had surgery for OSA in the past will be excluded.
• Women taking low-dose aspirin will be allowed to participate in this project.
• Current multiple pregnancy;
• Known major fetal chromosomal or anatomical abnormalities;
• Recurrent miscarriage (three or more);
• Chronic essential hypertension (systolic BP >140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP >90 mmHg);
• Any evidence of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases by history or by physical examination;
• Kidney disease (serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL);
• Coagulation disorders;
• Diabetes mellitus (fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL or 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test glucose level ≥200 mg/dL) or other systemic illness;
• Any evidence of neurological disease;
• Psychiatric disease or psychological disorders;
• History of drug or alcohol abuse within the last 2 years; and
• Given the effects of exercise training on sympathetic neural control, endurance-trained athletes will be excluded. As this project focuses on sleep apnea in pregnancy, Women with other significant sleep disorders such as restless legs syndrome by Rest Leg Syndrome Diagnostic Index and insomnia by the Insomnia Severity Index or Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index will be excluded; In addition, women who report taking a sleeping aid >1 time per month will be excluded.
Cognitive Outcomes of Brain Stimulation As a Later-in-Life Treatment (COBALT)
This is a pilot study being done to attempt to improve episodic memory problems in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. The pre-supplemental motor area (preSMA) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) have been shown to play a role in episodic memory and language retrieval. Prior studies have suggested that neurostimulation targeting this region can improve episodic memory and word recall. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to the preSMA/dACC region and its influence on word retrieval and other cognitive functions in patients with MCI or dementia. Entraining the preSMA/dACC circuit with 10 sessions of HD-tDCS will allow us to study whether neurostimulation may be an effective treatment.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Hannah.Cabrera@UTSouthwestern.edu
A Study of Aticaprant 10 Milligrams (mg) as Adjunctive Therapy in Adult Participants With MDD With Moderate-to-severe Anhedonia and Inadequate Response to Current Antidepressant Therapy (VENTURA-2)
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of aticaprant compared with placebo as adjunctive therapy to an antidepressant in improving depressive symptoms in adult participants with major depressive disorder (MDD) with moderate to severe anhedonia (ANH+) who have had an inadequate response to current antidepressant therapy with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Elizabeth.Dedrick@UTSouthwestern.edu
A Study of Aticaprant in Adult and Elderly Participants With Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (VENTURA-LT)
The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term safety and tolerability of aticaprant administered as adjunctive therapy to a current antidepressant (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI] or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor [SNRI]) in all participants with major depressive disorder (MDD).
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu
Pathways Relating Amnestic MCI to a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury History (PATH)
This study will probe if the biological changes in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are related to a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) using high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and blood-derived biomarker tools. Participants who Do as well as those who Do Not have a history of mTBI will be enrolled in the study.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Hannah.Cabrera@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Active diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment
• Presence of an mTBI history for the mTBI+ group; absence of an mTBI history for a control sample
• Female and male subjects
• All races/ethnicities
• Age 55 years and older
• Fluent in English
• Mild traumatic brain injury within past year
• Lifetime history of moderate or severe brain injury
• Lifetime major neurologic syndromes (e.g., stroke, epilepsy, brain tumor)
• Lifetime major cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart attack, heart failure)
• Current substance use disorder
• Current major psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder)
• Current vision or hearing impairment that interferes with testing
• Any electronic and or metallic implants in the skull or brain
• Current medication use known to alter HD-tDCS reactivity
Impact of Intensive Treatment of SBP on Brain Perfusion, Amyloid, and Tau (IPAT Study) (IPAT)
The purpose of this study is to determine if intensive lowering of systolic blood pressure (SBP), using FDA approved medications (antihypertensive), reduces Alzheimer's Disease pathology (i.e., excessive brain amyloid and tau protein deposition) in older adults at high risk for memory decline or dementia.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, TristynHall@texashealth.org
• Plans to move outside the clinic catchment area in the next 2 years;
• Significant concerns about participation in the study from spouse, significant other, or family members;
• Lack of support from primary health care provider;
• Residence too far from the study clinic site such that transportation is a barrier including persons who require transportation assistance provided by the study clinic funds for screening or randomization visits;
• Residence in a nursing home; persons residing in an assisted living or retirement community are eligible if they meet the other criteria;
• Other medical, psychiatric, or behavioral factors that, in the judgment of the site PI or clinician, may interfere with study participation or the ability to follow the study Protocol.
• Couples or significant partners who live together cannot be enrolled or participate simultaneously in the study.
Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
The research objective of this study is to examine the efficacy of HD-tDCS to the preSMA/DACC region and its influence on verbal episodic memory in patients with MCI or dementia after 10 sessions of HD-tDCS. There will be three treatment arms: two active HD-tDCS (1 mA or 2 mA) and a sham group. A verbal episodic memory task will be completed at baseline, immediately following the last HD-tDCS session, and a 2-month follow-up.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Hannah.Cabrera@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Age 50 and older
• Fluent in English
• Active diagnosis of MCI or dementia
• Substance use disorder
• Has metal fragments in head
• Taking medications that may interact with the HD-tDCS effect (i.e., amphetamines, L-dopa, carbamazepine, sulpiride, pergolide, lorazepam, dextromethorphan, D-cycloserine, flunarizine, or ropinirole)
Addressing Risk Through Community Treatment for Infectious Disease and Opioid Use Disorder Now (ACTION) Among Justice-involved Populations (ACTION)
This is a 5-year Hybrid Type 1 Effectiveness-Implementation Randomized Control Trial (RCT) that compares two models of linking and retaining individuals recently released from justice involvement to the continuum of community-based HIV prevention and treatment, HCV treatment, STI treatment, and opioid use disorder (OUD) prevention and treatment, medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) service cascades of care.
Ank Nijahwan, MD ank.nijahwan@utsouthwestern.edu
Zoe Pulitzer, MPH, MSEd zoe.pulitzer@utsouthwestern.edu
Caloric Restriction and Activity to Reduce Chemoresistance in B-ALL (IDEAL2)
This study is for older children, adolescents, and young adults with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL). Higher amounts of body fat is associated with resistance to chemotherapy in patients with B-ALL. Chemotherapy during the first month causes large gains in body fat in most people, even those who start chemotherapy at a healthy weight. This study is being done to find out if caloric restriction achieved by a personalized nutritional menu and exercise plan during routine chemotherapy can make the patient's ALL more sensitive to chemotherapy and also reduce the amount of body fat gained during treatment. The goals of this study are to help make chemotherapy more effective in treating the patient's leukemia as demonstrated by fewer patients with leukemia minimal residual disease (MRD) while also trying to reduce the amount of body fat that chemotherapy causes the patient to gain in the first month.
Call 833-722-6237
canceranswerline@utsouthwestern.edu
• Patients must be ≥ 10.0 and <26.0 years of age.
• Patients must have a diagnosis of de novo B-ALL
• Patients must have a M3 marrow (>25% blasts by morphology) or at least 1,000/µL circulating leukemia cells in PB confirmed by Flow Cytometry (or other convincing evidence of a B-ALL diagnosis not meeting above criteria following central review by the Study Hematopathologist and Study Chair or Vice-Chair).
• The treatment regimen must be the first treatment attempt for B-ALL-
• Must be a multi-agent induction regimen inclusive of vincristine, glucocorticoid, pegaspargase/calaspargase, and daunorubicin or doxorubicin and with a planned duration <35 days.
• Organ function must meet that required for initiation of chemotherapy
• Patients at diagnosis must meet Karnofsky > 50% for patients > 16 years of age and Lansky > 50% for patients ≤ 16 years of age (or be expected to recover prior to Day 8) .
• If the patient is a female of childbearing potential, a negative urine or serum pregnancy test is required within two weeks prior to enrollment.
• Patient will be excluded if they are underweight at time of enrollment (BMI% <5th percentile for age for patients age 10-19 years, BMI <18.5 in patients 20-29 years).
• Patients with Down syndrome or a DNA fragility syndrome (such as Fanconi anemia, Bloom syndrome) will be excluded.
• Patient receiving a SJCRH-style "Total Therapy" regimen will be excluded.
• Patients receiving anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy during induction therapy.
• Patients will be excluded if they received treatment for a previous malignancy.
• Patient will be excluded if they are pregnant.
• Patient will be excluded if they have a pre-diagnosis requirement for enteral or parenteral supplementation .
• Patient will be excluded due to inability to perform the intervention (e.g., specific nutritional needs, severe developmental delay, paraplegia)
• Patients will be excluded if they have significant concurrent disease, illness, psychiatric disorder or social issue that would compromise patient safety or compliance with the protocol treatment or procedures, interfere with consent, study participation, follow up, or interpretation of study results
Elucidating the Neurocircuitry of Irritability With High-Field Neuroimaging to Identify Novel Therapeutic Targets (UNIKET)
The study is investigating dysfunctions in neurocircuitry in regards to irritability with healthy controls (HC) and individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) by performing MRIs. The MDD group will also be randomized to receive ketamine or midazolam to investigate changes post-treatment in neurocircuitry with regards to irritability.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Ann.House@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Male or female subjects, 18-65 years of age and body weight less than or equal to 120 kg on baseline visit.
• Participants must have a level of understanding of the English language sufficient to agree to all tests and examinations required by the study and must be able to participate fully in the informed consent process.
• For Healthy Controls: Subjects must be free of any lifetime psychiatric condition based on the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). For MDD: Subjects must meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria for current unipolar depression [major depressive disorder (MDD) or persistent depressive disorder (PDD) in a current major depressive episode (MDE)] based on MINI.
• A woman of childbearing potential who is sexually active with a male must agree to use an acceptable method of contraception [defined as either one highly effective (permanent sterilization, intrauterine device or hormonal implant) or two other forms of contraception (such as oral contraceptive pill and condom)] to avoid pregnancy throughout the study. Throughout the study and for 90 days (one spermatogenesis cycle) after receiving the last dose of study drug (ketamine/midazolam) man who is sexually active with a woman of childbearing potential must use an acceptable method of contraception (described above) with his female partner and must agree not to donate sperm.
• Subjects must either be free of psychotropic medications (including antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers, sedative/hypnotics, dopamine agonists, stimulants, buspirone, and triptans) and certain anticonvulsants (topiramate and levetiracetam) or be stable on these medications for four weeks prior to the baseline visit [first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan].
• Subjects with MDD should be willing to participate in neuroimaging scans before and after infusions, and be willing to undergo infusions with study drug.
• Lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia or any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, pervasive developmental disorder or intellectual development disorder.
• Current diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder, anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Comorbid anxiety, stress and trauma-related disorders are permitted as long as unipolar depression is the primary diagnosis.
• Diagnosis of a moderate or severe substance use disorder within the past 6 months per MINI; all subjects must have a negative urine toxicology test on the day of the MRI, prior to the scan.
• Female subjects who are pregnant, nursing, for may become pregnant. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test on the day of the fMRI, prior to scan, and on days of study drug infusion, prior to infusion.
• Any unstable medical illnesses including hepatic, renal, gastroenterologic, respiratory, cardiovascular (including ischemic heart disease), endocrinologic, immunologic, or hematologic disease.
• Inadequately treated obstructive sleep apnea (STOP-Bang score of 5-8 if untreated, if using positive airway pressure device then past-month apnea hypopnea index ≥ 15 per hour representing moderate or higher severity).
• Presence of a significant neurological disease such as Parkinson's disease, primary or secondary seizure disorders, intracranial tumors, or severe head trauma.
• Presence of neurocognitive or dementing disorders.
• Clinically significant abnormalities of laboratories, physical examination (including unstable hypertension - systolic blood pressure >170, diastolic blood pressure >100), or electrocardiogram at screening visit.
• Subjects judged to be at serious and imminent suicidal or homicidal risk by the PI or another study-affiliated psychiatrist.
• Any contraindications to MRI, including pacemakers or metallic objects in the body.
• Any claustrophobia or other conditions which may result in inability to lie still in the MRI scanner for 1 hour or more.
• Allergy to ketamine or midazolam in subjects with MDD.
• Must not be on any prohibited concomitant medication.
Behavioral Activation Teletherapy to Increase Physical Activity (BAT)
This is a pilot study of acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a brief, 10-session Behavioral Activation intervention delivered via teletherapy to increase physical activity and treat depressive symptoms.
Shahera Ranjha shahera.ranjha@utsouthwestern.edu
Lynnel M Goodman, PhD lynnel.goodman@utsouthwestern.edu
Aging and Disease Course: Contributions to Lifespan Neurobiology of Schizophrenia
The 2020 NIMH Strategic Plan for Research calls for investigations targeting neurobiology of mental illness across the lifespan. Growing evidence suggests that lifespan neurobiology of schizophrenia (SZ) incorporates two distinct dimensions: aging and disease course. However, their clinical correlates, associated biomarker trajectories, and implications for treatment are unknown. This study will investigate differential aspects of SZ neurobiology captured by aging and disease course, in order to develop specific biomarkers which may offer actionable targets for SZ stage-dependent intervention. The study is predicated on a novel mechanistic Model of SZ Trajectories across the Adult Lifespan, positing distinct biological fingerprints within the anterior limbic system for aging and disease course in SZ: (1) alterations in the circuit's function and structure that occur earlier in the lifespan and are larger in magnitude than the alterations expected with normal aging (accelerated aging dimension); and (2) regionally-specific anterior limbic "hyperactivity" in early SZ, with a subsequent transformation into "hypoactivity" in advanced SZ (disease course dimension). In a sample of SZ and matched healthy controls (n=168, 84/group) aged 18-75 years the investigators will ascertain a broad panel of biomarkers [via multimodal brain imaging: optimized 1H-MRS, high-resolution task-based fMRI, perfusion (Vascular Space Occupancy) and structural MRI], along with comprehensive cognitive and clinical assessments. All measures will be acquired at baseline and repeated at 2-year longitudinal follow-up. Using cutting-edge computational approaches, the study will examine (i) effects of aging and SZ course on anterior limbic system biomarkers; (ii) lifespan trajectories for different biomarkers; (iii) patterns of limbic system biomarkers in age- and SZ course-based subgroups (e.g., Younger vs. Older, Early-Course vs. Advanced SZ), as well as in data-driven subgroups (e.g., those with vs. without accelerated aging profiles); and (iv) associations between biomarkers and cognitive and clinical outcomes. This research will advance the field by providing novel biomarkers that capture unique neurobiological contributions of aging and disease course in SZ, and will motivate future studies on SZ mechanisms across the lifespan and development of precision treatments.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Monserrat.Feria-Vargas@UTSouthwestern.edu
• 18-65 years of age (SZ); 18-75 years of age (CON)
• Women and men
• All races and ethnicities
• Psychiatric diagnoses: Patient participants (SZ): Meet DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder Healthy control participants (CON): No personal history of lifetime psychiatric disorders, or a family history of psychotic disorders in 1st-or 2nd- degree relatives
• Able to read, speak, and understand English
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent; and willing to commit to the study protocol, including 2-year longitudinal follow-up
• Neurological or medical disorder that may affect brain function (history of stroke, head injury with a loss of consciousness >10 min, seizure disorder, AIDS, poorly controlled hypertension, poorly controlled diabetes, decompensated lung disease, etc.)
• Co-morbid DSM-5 diagnosis of drug/alcohol use disorder in prior 3 months
• Current treatment with benzodiazepine or non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, and/or anticonvulsants
• Presence of ferromagnetic objects in body
• Weight or body size exceeding MRI scanner capacity [>300 lbs]
• Claustrophobia in MRI scanner
• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding women (VASO scan will not be administered. All other imaging modalities are safe to administer.)
• Impaired kidney function: Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) < 30 ml/min/1.73m2 (VASO scan will not be administered due to an association between Gadolinium-based MR contrast use and Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis in individuals with severely impaired renal function. All other imaging modalities are safe to administer.)
• History of hypersensitivity to any MRI contrast agent (VASO scan will not be administered. All other imaging modalities are safe to administer.)
Olanzapine Versus Megestrol Acetate for the Treatment of Loss of Appetite Among Advanced Cancer Patients
This phase III trial compares the effects of olanzapine versus megestrol acetate in treating loss of appetite in patients with cancer that has spread to other places in the body (advanced). Olanzapine may stimulate and increase appetite. This study aims to find out if olanzapine is better than the usual approach (megestrol acetate) for stimulating appetite and preventing weight loss.
Call 833-722-6237
canceranswerline@utsouthwestern.edu
• Women and men of reproductive potential should agree to use an appropriate method of birth control throughout their participation in this study due to the teratogenic potential of the therapy utilized in this trial. Appropriate methods of birth control include abstinence, oral contraceptives, implantable hormonal contraceptives or double barrier method (diaphragm plus condom)
• Diagnosis of advanced cancer
• Patient-reported 2-month weight loss of at least 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) and/or physician-estimated caloric intake of less than 20 calories/kilogram of body weight per day
• The patient must perceive loss of appetite and/or weight as a problem; and have an appetite score of 4 or worse on the "Please rate your appetite…." question that requires a patient response on a 0-10 numeric rating scale
• Not receiving ongoing tube feedings or parenteral nutrition at the time of registration
• Not currently using systemic adrenal steroids (with the exception of short-term dexamethasone within 3 days of chemotherapy for control of chemotherapy side effects)
• No use of androgens, progesterone analogs, or other appetite stimulants within the past month
• Patient should not have poorly controlled hypertension or congestive heart failure at registration
• Patient should not have an obstruction of the alimentary canal, malabsorption, or intractable vomiting (defined as vomiting more than 3 times per day over the preceding week)
• Not currently using olanzapine for another medical condition or had previously used olanzapine for chronic nausea or for any pre-existing psychotic disorder
• Patient should not have had a previous blood clot at any time in the past
• No history of poorly controlled diabetes
• No symptomatic leptomeningeal disease or known brain metastases as these patients may have difficulty taking oral medications
• No history of hypersensitivity to olanzapine or megestrol acetate
• No COVID-19 infection in the past that, in the opinion of the treating physician, had left patients with compromised taste, which has not resolved at the time of registration
• Not pregnant and not nursing, because this study involves an investigational agent whose genotoxic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects on the developing fetus and newborn are unknown. Therefore, for women of childbearing potential only, a negative urine or serum pregnancy test done =< 14 days prior to registration is required
• Age >= 18 years
• Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0, 1 or 2
• Estimated life expectancy of 3 months or longer
• Serum creatinine =< 2.0 mg/dL
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) =< 3 x upper limit of normal (ULN)
• Fasting glucose < 140 mg/dL
• Granulocytes > 1000/hpf
• No treatment with another antipsychotic agent, such as risperidone, quetiapine, clozapine, butyrophenone within 30 days of enrollment
• In order to complete the mandatory patient-completed measures, participants must be able to speak and/or read English or Spanish. Sites seeking to enroll Spanish-speaking patients should have access to Spanish speaking staff on site or through the use of a translation service to be able to conduct the informed consent discussion in Spanish, and to conduct the weekly phone calls
• Psychiatric illness which would prevent the patient from giving informed consent
• Medical condition such as uncontrolled infection (including human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]), uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or cardiac disease which, in the opinion of the treating physician, would make this protocol unreasonably hazardous for the patient
• Patients who cannot swallow oral formulations of the agents
• Patients with impaired decision-making capacity (such as with a diagnosis of dementia or memory loss) are not eligible for this study
• No presence of a hormone-sensitive tumor, such as breast, endometrial, or prostate cancer (this exclusion criterion is intended to circumvent any confounding antineoplastic effects of megestrol acetate)
Characterizing Inflammatory Profiles and Suicidal Behavior in Adolescents
Despite increasing suicide rates in adolescents, there remains a paucity of approaches to use to prevent re-attempts. Any hope for breaking the code to prevent youth suicide lies in understanding biological factors that play a role. Evidence suggests that inflammation and immune system dysfunction may be linked to suicide. The investigators will develop immune profiles for adolescents with suicidal behavior and those at risk in order to develop tools that can be implemented for prevention efforts. This study involves blood draws, answering questions, and completing questionnaires - no treatment or intervention is provided as part of this study. Participants will be screened to see if they qualify for this study using questionnaires. Participants will be teens (ages 12-18 years) with recent suicidal behavior, teens at-risk for developing depression, and healthy control teens. Participants complete all study-related tasks four times over a period of 12 months. Electronic surveys will be sent to participants to complete monthly. Both the adolescent and if applicable, their parent (or legally authorized representatives, LARs), will answer questions regarding depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts/behaviors.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Abby.Starling@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Be adolescents (aged 12-18 years);
• Have the ability to speak, read, and understand English. The parent(s) or legal guardians of minors must also speak, read and understand English;
• Be willing to provide consent/assent. Consent will be provided by parents/LAR/guardian for youth under age 18 or by young adult participant, aged 18. Youth, aged 8-17, must be willing to provide assent;
• Have the ability to complete clinical evaluations and self-report measures;
• Meet criteria for one of these three groups:
• Adolescent with suicidal behaviors, defined as having a recent (within 3 months) suicide attempt or suicidal ideation warranting urgent evaluation;
• Adolescents at risk for mood disorders, defined by either personal history of anxiety disorder or substance use disorder or a history of trauma, or a first degree relative with a history of a mood disorder or suicidal history;
• Healthy adolescents with no lifetime history of any psychiatric or substance use disorders or a history of trauma. Additionally, no first-degree family member with a history of a mood disorder or suicidal history.. Exclusion Criteria Study participants must not:
• Have current poorly controlled asthma, acute/chronic infection or other medical condition(s) that may affect immune marker levels;
• Have a current medication (e.g., corticosteroids) that may affect immune marker levels of reactivity;
• Have any condition for which, in the opinion of the investigator or designee, study participation would not be in their best interest (including but not limited to cognitive impairment, unstable general medical condition, intoxication, active psychosis) or that could prevent, limit, or confound the protocol-specified assessments;
• Be unable to provide a stable home address and contact information
A Study to Assess Change in Disease Activity and Adverse Events (AEs) With Cariprazine in the Treatment of Depressive Episodes in Pediatric Participants Participants (10 to 17 Years of Age) With Bipolar I Disorder.
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu
Ketamine Versus Midazolam for Recurrence of Suicidality in Adolescents
This project aims to examine the efficacy of ketamine, a rapidly acting medication shown to decrease suicidality in adults in as short as hours or days, as opposed to weeks. The study design is a double-blind, randomized, active-control trial of adolescents (ages 13-18 years) with recent suicidal behaviors (suicide attempt or increased suicidal ideation). All participants must be receiving standard of care treatment which may range broadly from both outpatient and inpatient programs which include clinically indicated psychosocial and/or psychopharmacological treatments. Ketamine/midazolam treatment will occur twice weekly during the first two weeks of the study, followed by weekly assessments through week 12.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Zachary.Brown@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Be adolescents (aged 13-18 years);
• Have had a recent suicidal event (suicide attempt or significant suicidal ideation with a plan or intent warranting emergency evaluation or inpatient hospitalization within the past 90 days);
• Receiving standard of care treatment that includes clinically indicated psychosocial and/or psychopharmacological treatment;
• Have a current primary diagnosis of a depressive disorder based on the MINI-KID (other psychiatric disorders are acceptable, but must not be primary);
• Both participants and their designated caregiver must be able to complete assessments in English, as the rating scales vital to study efficacy and safety evaluations have not been validated in Spanish. (NOTE: Most potential participants ages 13 to 18 years old, as well as most of their parents, have a good working knowledge of English);
• Use effective method of contraception during and for 90 days following the end of treatment for female and male participants. Recommended methods of birth control are namely, consistent use of an approved hormonal birth control (pill/patches, rings), an intrauterine device (IUD), contraceptive injection, double barrier methods, sexual abstinence, or sterilization; Exclusion Criteria Study participants must not:
• Have a psychotic disorder, such as lifetime schizophrenia, or a pervasive or intellectual developmental disorder requiring substantial or very substantial support;
• Have current mania, hypomania, mixed episode, or obsessive-compulsive disorder;
• Have a primary diagnosis other than a depressive disorder;
• Have moderate to severe alcohol or substance use disorder within the past six months (based on MINI-KID); If there is a positive urine drug screen at screening, the urine drug screen will be repeated at each infusion visit. Positive urine drug screen will be reviewed by study physician and infusion will proceed as long as no safety risk was identified;
• If female, be pregnant, lactating, or nursing; Women of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test prior to all infusions;
• Have unstable medical conditions (stable for less than 3 months) or with clinically significant laboratory values or an electrocardiogram (ECG) that would pose significant risk;
• Be at serious suicidal risk that cannot be managed in the outpatient setting;
• Have prior treatment for depression with or contraindications to ketamine, esketamine, or, midazolam;
• Treatment with medications that may alter pharmacokinetics of ketamine, including moderate-to-strong inhibitors or inducers of CYP3A4 and CYP2B6, is exclusionary. Regarding pharmacodynamic interactions, medications that may increase heart rate or blood pressure such as the ADHD stimulant medications will be permitted with last dose at least 24 hours prior to infusion. All concomitant medications will be evaluated by the study physician to determine if the type and dose of concomitant medication requires discontinuation and will be excluded if the concomitant medication could substantially increase the risk of study infusion. A complete list of medications that are Not Allowed is available in Appendix D of the protocol. The study team will not ask the participant to discontinue any treatment (except for not taking ADHD medications for 24 hours before study treatment) just for the sake of taking part in this study;
• Weigh >120 kilograms at baseline. If participants are enrolled but exceed 120 kilograms at any time during the treatment period, they will be removed from the treatment portion of the study.
CLOZAPINE Response in Biotype-1
The CLOZAPINE study is designed as a multisite study across 5 sites and is a clinical trial, involving human participants who are prospectively assigned to an intervention. The study will utilize a stringent randomized, double-blinded, parallel group clinical trial design. B2 group will serve as psychosis control with risperidone as medication control. The study is designed to evaluate effect of clozapine on the B1 participants, and the effect that will be evaluated is a biomedical outcome. The study sample will be comprised of individuals with psychosis, including 1) schizophrenia, 2) schizoaffective disorder and 3) psychotic bipolar I disorder. The investigators plan to initially screen and recruit n=524 (from both the existing B-SNIP library and newly-identified psychosis cases, ~50% each) in order to enroll n=320 (B1 and B2) into the RCT.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Asha.Philip@UTSouthwestern.edu
Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (YDSRN)
The objective of this study is to build the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network to support the development of a Network Participant Registry and characterization of systems and interventions to examine statewide population health outcomes. All 12-13 sites represented in the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium (https://www.utsystem.edu/pophealth/tcmhcc/) have been invited to participate in the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network as "Nodes." 12 Nodes have been selected for this project. Each Node has obtained support of senior institutional leadership including the department chair. Leadership from each Node provided input and edits in the study design process by committee, with a focus on the inclusion of the "end user" in design decisions. Nodes will work closely with the Network Hub leadership to recruit, monitor, and retain participants. This will require active engagement and sustained relationships with clinics within the academic medical center as well as clinics in the community (i.e., psychiatry, psychology, counselling).
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Holli.Slater@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Be 8 to 20 years of age;
• Have a positive screen for depression (e.g., based on PHQ-2 (score ≥3) and/or PHQ-A of 10 or greater, OR positive for suicidal ideation or behavior (e.g., based on CHRT-SR or PHQ-A item 9); OR be in treatment for depression;
• Be willing to provide consent/assent (parents/LAR/guardian or young adult participant, aged 18-20, must be willing to provide consent; youth, aged 8-17, must be willing to provide assent);
• Be able to speak English or Spanish sufficiently to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent to participate in the study;
• Be willing to dedicate appropriate time to complete scheduled study assessments and measures (both parent/LAR/guardian and youth).
• Be able to provide a reliable means of contact.
• Have an acute medical or psychological condition(s) that that would, in the judgment of the study medical clinician, make participation difficult or unsafe;
• Have an acute medical or psychological condition(s) that would result in an inability to accurately complete study requirements (e.g., neurological conditions or significant neurodevelopmental concerns);
• Have active psychotic symptoms resulting in altered mental status and inability to provide assent or requiring immediate attention and/or higher level of intervention;
• Have a parent/LAR/guardian who is deemed cognitively unable to provide consent (if youth participant, aged 8-17).
Combination of Novel Therapies for CKD Comorbid Depression (CONCORD)
The overall goal of the study is to determine if treatment of a Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) improves the outcomes of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We showed that MDD is present in 25% of CKD patients and independently associated with progression to End-Stage Kidney Disease, hospitalization, and death. Depression is also associated with lower quality of life (QOL), fatigue, poor sleep, and non-adherence to diet and medications. However, evidence for efficacy and tolerability of commonly-used antidepressant medications or nonpharmacologic treatments are limited in CKD patients. Our group was the first to conduct a double-blind randomized controlled trial for MDD treatment in 201 patients with non-dialysis CKD, and showed that sertraline, a commonly used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), was no more efficacious than placebo for improving depressive symptoms. It becomes imperative to test novel strategies to treat MDD in CKD. We propose to compare with a control group, the efficacy and tolerability of two novel treatment strategies - (1) Behavioral Activation Teletherapy (BAT) for 16 weeks, with the addition of bupropion, a non-SSRI antidepressant, at 8 weeks for patients whose depression has not remitted (non-remitters); and (2) bupropion for 16 weeks, with the addition of BAT at 8 weeks for non-remitters. In Aim 1, we will investigate the efficacy and tolerability of these 2 strategies vs. control for improvement in a primary endpoint of depressive symptoms in 201 patients (67 per group) with non-dialysis CKD stages 3b-5 and MDD at 2 sites, randomized 1:1:1 to either strategy or a control group of Clinical Management plus placebo. We hypothesize that either approach vs. control will result in a minimal clinically important difference of 2 points improvement in depressive symptoms, as ascertained blindly by the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology. In Aim 2 we will investigate the efficacy and tolerability of 8 weeks of (1) single-blind BAT plus placebo or (2) double-blind bupropion plus Clinical Management vs. control for improvement in depressive symptoms. In Aim 3, we will compare the efficacy of these 2 treatments strategies vs. control for improvement in CKD patient-centered outcomes including a. adherence to medications and healthcare visits; b. fatigue; c. sleep; and d. overall functioning. A clinical trial is urgently needed to address the evidence gap that exists for MDD treatment in CKD patients.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Ana.Arroyo@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Male or female adults aged 18 years or greater. There will be no upper age limit.
• Presence of CKD stages 3b, 4 or non-dialysis stage 5, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 for a period of at least 3 months, as defined by the National Kidney Foundation and determined using the four-variable Modification of Diet for Renal Diseases Study formula.
• Presence of a current Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) based on MINI DSM IV-based criteria
• Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self-report (QIDS-SR) score of ≥11 at enrollment and ≥11 on QIDS-Clinician Rated (QIDS-C) at randomization.
• Able to understand and sign informed consent after the nature of the study has been fully explained
• Kidney transplant patients that are at least 6 month post-transplantation (3 months post-transplant, with at least another 3 months to confirm eGFR <45)
• Unable to understand or give informed consent.
• Unwilling or unable to participate in the protocol or comply with any of its components
• Receiving chronic dialysis
• Significant hepatic dysfunction or liver enzyme abnormalities 3 times or greater than the upper limit of normal
• Terminal chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cancer
• Presence of seizure disorder
• Current use of class I anti-arrhythmic medications (such as 1C propafenone and flecanide), pimozide, MAO inhibitors, reserpine, guanethidine, cimetidine, or methyldopa; tri-cyclic anti-depressants, neuroleptics, or anti-convulsants
• Use of serotonergic drugs or supplements such as triptans, tramadol, linezolid, tryptophan, and St. John's Wort.
• Use of medications known to cause QT prolongation on EKG
• Ongoing use of antidepressant medications for depression treatment
• Past treatment failure on bupropion
• Initiation of depression-focused psychotherapy in the 3 months prior to study entry
• Active alcohol or substance abuse or dependence that requires acute detoxification at study entry
• Present or past psychosis or Bipolar I or II disorder
• Dementia or a Mini-Mental State Examination score <23
• Active suicidal intent
• Pregnancy, lactation, or women of childbearing potential not willing to use adequate contraception
Metformin in Alzheimer's Dementia Prevention (MAP)
MAP will be a multisite phase II/III 1:1 randomized controlled trial (RCT) of long acting metformin (reduced mass Glucophage XR) vs. matching placebo in 326 men and women with early and late aMCI, without diabetes, not treated with metformin, overweight or obese, aged 55 years to 90 years. The RCT will last 18 months and have 4 visits: baseline, 6-months, 12-months, and 18-months. The RCT will be preceded by a screening phase followed by randomization and a titration period in which drug/placebo will be titrated from 500 mg a day (one tablet) to 2,000 mg a day (4 tablets), in increments of 500 mg (one tablet) every 10 days. Participants will remain in the RCT on the tolerated dose, and included in analyses on an intent to treat basis. We expect the attrition rate to be 10%/year. Neuropsychological battery, clinical interviews, physical exam, and phlebotomy will be conducted at baseline and every 6 months. Brain MRI will be conducted in approximately half of the participants (186) twice, at baseline, and after the last study visit at month 18. We will also conduct brain amyloid Positron Emission Tomography (PET) using 18F-Florbetaben, and tau PET using 18F-MK6240 in half of the participants at baseline and end of the RCT. The primary clinical outcome of the study will be changes in the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test. The secondary clinical outcome will be changes in the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study Preclinical Alzheimer's Cognitive Composite. Secondary subclinical outcomes will be changes in cortical thickness AD signature areas, changes in white matter hyperintensity volume, changes in brain amyloid burden, changes in brain tau burden, and changes in plasma biomarkers of amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration. The data coordinating center and Imaging Core is located at John Hopkins University. The PET coordinating center is located at UC-Berkeley. The Clinical Coordinating and Monitoring Center and the central laboratory will be located at Columbia. The Research pharmacy function will be shared by the University of Rochester, which will dispense randomization kits, and the University of Iowa, which will receive bulk metformin and identical matching placebo from EMD Serono.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, kyle.krautkramer@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Participants must have subjective memory concern reported by participant, study partner, or clinician.
• A mini-mental state exam between ≥ 22 for subjects with more than 8 years of education. For subjects with less than 8 years of education, a MMSE ≥ 20 will be allowed.
• Clinical Dementia Rating 0.5. The memory box score must be at least 0.5.
• General cognition and functional performance sufficiently preserved such that a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease cannot be made by the site physician at the time of the screening visit.
• Abnormal memory function documented by scoring within the education adjusted ranges on the Logical Memory II subscale (Delayed Paragraph Recall, Paragraph A only) from the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised.
• For early MCI:
• 9-11 for 16 or more years of education
• 5-9 for 8-15 years of education
• 3-6 for 0-7 years of education
• For late MCI
• ≤ 8 for 16 or more years of education
• ≤ 4 for 8-15 years of education
• ≤ 2 for 0-7 years of education
• Age range: 55 years to 90 years.
• Sex distribution: all eligible men and women will be included and no one will be excluded because of gender.
• Languages: fluent in English or Spanish. We have reliable, well-validated Spanish tests for all outcome measures.
• Participants without a known history of diabetes. If diabetes is diagnosed during screening (hemoglobin A1c of 6.5 % or greater) they will also be excluded. The main justification for this exclusion is the potential for these participants to be placed on other diabetes medications that may confound our study.
• General cognition and functional performance such that a diagnosis of dementia cannot be made at the time of screening based on DSM-V criteria.
• Vision and hearing must be sufficient for compliance with testing procedures.
• Must have an informant to come to all appointments or be available by telephone at follow-up visits. Study Partner Inclusion Criteria
• The study partner can provide an independent evaluation of functioning for a person enrolled in the MAP study as a participant
• The study partner agrees to attend study visits with the MAP participant or be available by telephone.
• Use of metformin for any indication.
• Body mass index < 20 k/m2.
• Metformin is contraindicated in persons with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 30 mL/min. For persons with an eGFR of 30 to 45 mL/min, a reduction of the dose or discontinuation of the medication is recommended for those on metformin; in this range, it is also recommended that persons do not initiate metformin. Thus, participants with eGFR < 45 mL/min will not be eligible to participate.
• The risk of lactic acidosis is increased in persons with liver disease and class III or IV congestive heart failure. Thus, persons with liver disease other than non-fatty liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis) or class III or IV congestive heart failure will not be eligible to participate due to the risks of side effects.
• A history of intolerance to metformin used for indications other than diabetes.
• History of cerebrovascular accident with residual neurological deficits.
• Moderate to severe depression, indicated by a score in the Geriatric Depression Scale of 9/15 or higher.
• Dementia diagnosis
• Lack of capacity to consent
• Participants with neurologic diseases associated with neurologic deficits on clinical examination.
• Participants with other current Axis I psychiatric diagnoses such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
• Alcohol or substance abuse or dependence in the past 6 months.
• Use of medications rated as being the likely cause of cognitive impairment. These include benzodiazepines in dose equivalents greater than 2 mg daily of lorazepam, and regular use of prescription narcotics.
• Normal individuals without cognitive complaints.
• Participants with uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 95 mmHg).
• Participants with active cancer or a history of cancer within the last two years, with the exception of squamous or basal cell carcinoma of the skin.
• Participants who for any reason may not complete the study as judged by the study physician.
• Participants planning to move to another city or state within the next 24 months.
• Participants with a known history of diabetes. The rationale for this exclusion is persons with diabetes may already be on metformin or on other medications that increase insulin levels and could confound the trial.
• Participants with diabetes discovered on screening based on American Diabetes Association criteria using HbA1c (HbA1c of 6.5% or greater). Although metformin could be a first treatment of diabetes for these participants, addition of treatments for diabetes by physicians could confound the study.
• Use of aducanumab (Aduhelm™) of any other amyloid modifying treatment for AD.
• Not able to undergo phlebotomy as reported by the participant or determined by the study coordinator or physician.
• Participants with known, suspected, or plan for becoming pregnant. Exclusion Criteria for MRI Contraindications for MRI include inability to lie flat, claustrophobia, or presence of indwelling metal objects or implants that are not MRI compatible. Exclusion Criteria for PET History of adverse reactions to radiocontrast agents.
Suicide Treatment Alternatives for Teens (START)
Quasi-Randomized trial to compare inpatient care versus outpatient crisis intervention clinic. This study plans to enroll up to 1,000 participants across 4 sites in a 5 years period.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, AMY.CONGER@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Adolescents that are 12 through 17 years old (including 17 year olds who will turn 18 years old during the course of the study).
• Are brought to the Emergency Department (ED) due to suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Require a higher level of care (OCIC or Inpatient) indicated by clinician determination and a CHRT-SR score of 15 to 52.
• The presence of a legal guardian
• Capable of giving signed informed consent/assent, which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the informed consent form (ICF) and in this protocol.
• Adolescents with suicidal thoughts that place themselves at a serious imminent risk of suicide based on clinical judgment.
• Adolescents who require 24 hour/day supervision but no adult can provide 24 hour/day supervision outside of the hospital
• Adolescents without the ability to read and answer survey questions
• Adolescents that are non-English speaking due to the scales and surveys that are used for this study only being available in English.
Tractography Guided Subcallosal Cingulate Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment Resistant Depression
Treatment resistant depression remains a major problem for individuals and society. Surgical procedures may provide relief for some of these patients. The most frequently considered surgical approach is deep brain stimulation (DBS) of a part of the brain called the subcallosal cingulate region. However, the effectiveness and safety is not well established. The investigators will use a novel approach using advanced imaging technique (magnetic resonance tractography) to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this surgical approach. An innovative method for the definition of DBS target will be applied that redefines the concept of targeting as one of targeting a symptomatic network rather than a structural brain region using subject-based brain anatomy to define the target location. The correlation between imaging findings at baseline with the mood score changes at different time points of the study will be investigated.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Hila.AbushSegev@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Pregnant or has plans to become pregnant in the next 36 months;
• Unable/unable to practice birth control through the period of randomization and withdrawal of therapy; * Subjects who have a history of a seizure disorder; * Subjects who will be exposed to diathermy; * Subjects who have any medical contraindications to undergoing DBS surgery (e.g. infection, coagulopathy, or significant cardiac or other medical risk factors for surgery); * Subjects with another implanted device such as a cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator or neurostimulator; * Subjects who have a history of hemorrhagic stroke; * Subjects who are unable to undergo MRI; * Subjects who are at increased risk of hemorrhage due to underlying medical conditions or medication.
Exploring the Effects of Corticosteroids on the Human Hippocampus
Chronic corticosteroid (CS) exposure is associated with changes in memory and the hippocampus in both humans and in animal models. The hippocampus has a high concentration of glucocorticoid receptors (GCRs), and the pre-clinical literature demonstrates shortening of apical dendrites in the CA3 region of the hippocampus and decreased neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) following CS administration. In humans, both stress and CS exposure are associated with a decline in declarative memory performance (a process mediated by the hippocampus). Impairment in declarative memory and hippocampal atrophy are reported in patients with excessive CS release due to Cushing's disease, and, by our group, in patients receiving prescription CS therapy. These findings have important implications for patients with mood disorders, as a large subset of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) show evidence of HPA axis activation, elevated cortisol and, importantly, resistance to the effects of CSs on both the HPA axis and on declarative memory. Thus, resistance to corticosteroids appears to be a consequence of MDD. this study will examine changes in declarative memory, as well as use state-of-the-art high-resolution multimodal neuroimaging, including structural and functional (i.e., task-based and resting state) MRI, in both men and women healthy controls, and, as an exploratory aim, a depressed group, given 3-day exposures to hydrocortisone (160 mg/day) or placebo. The study will translate preclinical findings to humans, provide valuable data on possible sex differences in the response to cortisol and, for the first time, identify specific hippocampal subfields (e.g., CA3/DG) in humans that are most sensitive to acute CS effects. Using resting state fMRI data and whole brain connectomics using graph theoretical approaches, we will determine the effects of cortisol exposure on functional brain networks. Furthermore, this will be the first study to use neuroimaging to compare the brain's response to CSs in people with depression vs. controls, and determine whether depressed people demonstrate glucocorticoid resistance within the hippocampus. We hypothesize that hippocampal response to acute CSs will be greatest in the CA3/DG subfield, greater in women than in men, and that depressed people will show a blunted hippocampal response to CSs compared to controls. A multidisciplinary research team with extensive experience in CS effects on the brain and hippocampal subfield neuroimaging, and a prior history of research collaboration, will conduct the project.
Call 214-648-5005
studyfinder@utsouthwestern.edu, Shuchi.Lakhanpal@UTSouthwestern.edu
• Men and women age 18-50 years with vision corrected to at least 20-40 (needed for fMRI tasks)
• Education of ≥ 12 years
• Baseline RAVLT total words recalled T-score ≥ 40 (normal range)
• BMI between 18.5-35.0 (neither underweight nor severely obese)
• Baseline QIDS-C ≤ 5 (virtual absence of depressive symptoms) for "healthy controls" and for the "depressed" group a QIDS-C between 11-20 (≥ moderate depressive symptoms but < very severe depressive symptoms)
• History of major psychiatric illness other than MDD for the depressed group, defined as bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, or MDD with psychotic features. For the control group, a past episode of MDD (per SCID) is also exclusionary
• History of drug or alcohol use disorder
• History of neurological disorders including seizures, brain surgery, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease
• Taking CNS-acting medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, lithium, anticonvulsants, sedative/hypnotic/anxiolytics). Thus, the depressed group will be medication free.
• History of allergic reaction or medical contraindication to hydrocortisone
• Metal implants, claustrophobia, or other contraindications to MRI
• Significant medical conditions (e.g., cancer, heart disease, diabetes)
• Vulnerable population including pregnant or nursing women, prisoners, and people with intellectual disability, history of special education classes, dementia, or other severe cognitive disorders
• Current suicidal ideation, a suicide attempt in the past 12 months or more than one lifetime attempt
• History of systemic CS use in the past 12 months, lifetime cumulative use of more than 12 weeks, or recent (defined as past 28 days) inhaled CS use
• Women who are using estrogen containing oral contraceptive agents (other contraceptives are acceptable, see Protection of Human Subjects section for a list of acceptable birth control methods) or who are post- or peri-menopausal or with irregular menstrual cycles (i.e., inconsistent menstruation patterns)