A Participants Guide to Mental Health Clinical Research

Have you thought about participating in a mental health clinical trial? Get the answers to all your questions about Clinical Research and volunteering to participate in the National Institute on Mental Health's (NIMH) participant guide. Click HERE to open the manual.

Pediatric Bipolar Disorder Research Study

Clinical Trial of Riluzole in Pediatric Bipolar Disorder from NIMH

This study is testing the effectiveness of riluzole versus placebo for decreasing anxiety in children with pediatric bipolar disorder. 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 bipolar disorder 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 During Phase I, participants are gradually withdrawn from all current psychotropic medications.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 receive either riluzole or placebo (a sugar pill). Phase IV lasts for 6 weeks. During this phase, participants continue riluzole or placebo. At the end of the study, those who received placebo have the opportunity to receive riluzole. All procedures and medications 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 out more information, call (301) 496-8381 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Anxiety Study from NIMH

Individuals diagnosed with major depression who have anxiety symptoms may be able to participate in an NIMH research study that seeks to decrease symptoms of depression and understand the causes of anxious depression. Anxiety symptoms may include tension, worry, apprehension, restlessness, or loss of appetite. This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of the study drug AZD2327 in the treatment of major depression and anxiety symptoms. This drug has a different mechanism of action from commonly used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for anxiety and depression. This is a 12-week outpatient study, including an inpatient stay of four days in Bethesda, MD.  Individuals 18-65 years of age who have been diagnosed with major depression and have anxiety symptoms may be eligible for this clinical trial. There is the chance of receiving placebo in this study. After completion of the study, NIMH will provide short-term follow-up care, and then the individual will return to the care of their own provider. In addition, all research participation is without cost and NIMH will cover all transportation costs from anywhere in the United States. To find out more information, please call 1-877-MIND-NIH (1-877-646-3644), or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . (TTY: 1-866-411-1010) Atendemos pacientes de habla hispana.

 For more information on research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, MD click here: http://patientinfo.nimh.nih.gov.

Family Genetic Study for Schizophrenia

If you, your child, or your sibling has been diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, the University of Utah and the National Institute of Mental Health would like your family to participate in a study to identify genes that may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.

We are looking for study participants who:

• Are between the ages of 18 to 65 years old with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, depressed type.
• Have two family members (parents or siblings) who are willing to also participate in the research. Family members do not have to live in the Salt Lake City area.

Participants will be compensated for their time.

For more information or to participate, contact Lisa at (801) 581-6015 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Flyer on Study