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Transforming the understanding
and treatment of mental illnesses.

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Brain Imaging and Depression Studies

Join a Research Study: Enrolling locally from the Washington, D.C. metro region

To find out if you qualify, email the study team (imagingstudies@nih.gov) or call 301- 402-6142 [TTY: 711].

Click here to see if you are eligible.

Researchers need people who are depressed to volunteer for a research study looking at the brain. This outpatient study uses an investigational drug during brain imaging (PET scan) to learn more about the brains of people with depression. This research will hopefully help doctors match specific treatments to people with depression in the future.

You may be eligible to participate if you:

  • Are between the ages of 18 and 70,
  • Are currently depressed (and not on medication),
  • Are otherwise healthy,
  • Currently have a doctor,
  • Do not currently have a substance use disorder,
  • Can lie still for an MRI.

Participation includes:

  • A physical and blood tests,
  • Brain imaging (PET scans and MRI),
  • An intravenous (IV) and arterial lines to inject the drug and take blood,
  • An investigational new drug (a PET radiotracer).

Compensation is provided for both time and completing tasks. Taxi service may be provided.
Travel and lodging may be provided. The studies are conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in
Bethesda, Maryland. Contact us for more information.

Click here to see if you are eligible.

To find out if you qualify, email the study team (imagingstudies@nih.gov) or call 301- 402-6142 [TTY: 711].

Study Identifiers

  • NIMH Protocol Number: 000676-M
  • ClinicalTrials.gov Study Number: 05703685 

Investigator(s): Robert Innis, M.D., Ph.D.