DM3 Study

  • How long will my participation in the study last?  

    The screening visit and the baseline visit will be completed within about 4 weeks of each other. If your baseline visit is spread out over two days, the visits must occur within 7 days of each other.

    Following the baseline visit, your participation in the study will last about 15 weeks.
    Will I receive results from my study?   We will notify you if there are any clinically important findings.
    If I am experiencing symptoms of depression, do I have to already be diagnosed with depression to participate?   You need to be taking an antidepressant medication to participate in this study. An assessment will be done at the screening visit to determine if you are eligible for the study.
    If I have a history of depression, what if I'm not currently experiencing symptoms of depression?   For this study, we are only enrolling people who are currently experiencing depression. If you have a history of depression but are currently doing well and not depressed, this may not be a good study for you. However, we may have other studies you could be eligible for. Please see the other studies listed on our website or click here to go to our contact information. We are happy to discuss our other studies that are currently recruiting with you.

     

     

    What if I have other mental health problems?  

    Individuals with a history of Bipolar Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Schizophrenia are not eligible at this time. People with anxiety are potentially eligible.
    Will I have to stop taking my current antidepressant medication(s)?  

    No. You will continue taking your currently prescribed antidepressant medication(s) for this study. If you do not want to continue taking your current antidepressant medication(s) for the duration of this study, we may have other studies you could be eligible for. Please see the other studies listed on our website or click here to go to our contact information. We are happy to discuss our other studies that are currently recruiting with you.
    What if I don't want to take an investigational medication?  

    All currently depressed participants will have to take an investigational medication for this study. We may have other studies you could be eligible for that don't involve investigational medications. Please see the other studies listed on our website, or click here to go to our contact information. We are happy discuss our other studies that are currently recruiting with you.
    Are there medical conditions that would exclude me from participating?  

    Yes. Participants cannot have a history of:

    • Major neurological disorders, such as dementia, stroke, brain tumors, seizures, Parkinson's Disease, or Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
    • Surgical implants that send electrical signals, such as pacemakers, cardio defibrillators, and spinal cord stimulators.

    There are also certain medications that are not allowed for this study. A study coordinator and/or study doctor will discuss with you all the medications you are currently taking to see if you are eligible for this study.
    What if I don't live close to Vanderbilt University Medical Center?  

    Volunteers must be able to attend study visits at VUMC. Unfortunately, travel reimbursement is not available.
    How can I volunteer?  

    If you are 60 or older, click here to go to our contact information.
  • What does an MRI involve?   An MRI scan is performed in a large machine that is shaped like a tunnel. This scan does not use x-rays. Instead, they use a strong magnet and radio waves, like those used in an AM/FM radio, to make pictures of your body. We do not give you any drugs or injections during our scan.

     

    Are there any known risks of an MRI scan?  

    There are no known major risks with an MRI scan, although it is possible that you may be bothered by being in a tight space (claustrophobia) or by the noises made by the magnet during the scan.

    Before you can complete an MRI for the study, we will take a detailed medical and surgical history to assess you for MRI safety.
    Do I have to be able to have an MRI to participate?  

    MRIs are required for this study. Currently depressed participants will complete 2 MRIs over the course of the study, while those without a history of depression will complete 1 MRI.
    Can I be sedated during the MRI scans?   No, sedation is not permitted during the MRIs. We need participants to be awake so they can complete tasks in the scanner.
    I have metal implants. Are these safe for the MRI?   Many medical implants are MRI-safe. During the screening visit, we will evaluate you for any surgical implants that may exclude you from having an MRI.

  • The Laboratory of Affective and Cognitive Imaging is located within the Center for Cognitive Medicine at the

    Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital

    1601 23rd Ave South

    Nashville, TN 37212

  • If you have any additional questions or would like to find out if you may be eligible, please click here to be taken to our contact information.