Adult depression & bipolar disorder studies
National Institute of Mental Health
What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder and depression?
If you have bipolar disorder or depression, you may:
- Feel constantly sad
- Have a loss of apetite
- Lack concentration
- Lose interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Feel guilty
- Have unpredictable mood swings
- Have racing thoughts
- Have disruptions in sleep
- Have changes in energy levels
What is the Adult Mood Disorders Unit?
This unit is researching novel ways to treat people for bipolar disorder (manic depression) and depression in both inpatient and outpatient programs. The research will hopefully lead us to a better understanding of mood disorders, and how to better tret them. Research participants will work iwth an inter-disciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, dieticians, occupational therapists, vocational counselor, and research staff. In addition to research activities, inpatient participants may take part in weekly psychotherapy group, patient education seminars, art and music therapy, research meetings, and other unit activities. Research evaluations and medications are provided at no cost. Transportation reimbursement is available. Compensation is provided for participation in neuropsychological exams and brain imaging.
What are some of the adult bipolar studies at NIMH?
Tamoxifen and Bipolar 1 Mania
Treatment study; inpatient. Examines the medication tamoxifen (Nolvadex®) for patients in the manic phase of bipolar I disorder. This is a 4-week study. Ages 18-60.
Mifepristone & Bipolar Depression
Treatment study; inpatient. Examines the efficacy of mifepristone in the depressive phase of bipolar I or II disorder. This is a one-month inpatient study. All participants will receive drug and placebo. Ages 18-75.
Riluzole & Bipolar Depression
Treatment study; inpatient and outpatient. Examines the efficacy and safety of riluzole (Rilutek®) compared to placebo in patients with bipolar I or II depression. This is an 8-week study. Ages 18-70.
Ketamine & Bipolar Depression to Test Rapid Antidepressant Effects
Evaluation study; inpatient. Examines the effectiveness of an NMDA antagonist in rapidly improving depressive symptoms in Bipolar I or II depression. This is an 8-week study. All participants will receive drug and placebo. Ages 18-65.
What are some of the other studies at NIMH?
Brain Imaging & Mood Disorders
Studies; inpatient and outpatient. Different studies try to understand the function of the brain chemicals and hormones in mood disorders using a variety of scanning techniques. Ages 18-60.
What are some of the adult depression studies at NIMH?
Depression & AMPAkine
Treatment study; inpatient or outpatient. Compares an AMOAkine receptor potentiator to placebo for the treatment of Major Depressions. This is an 8-week study. Ages 21-55.
Depression & Yohimbine to Test Rapid Antidepressant Effects
Evaluation study; inpatient. Examines the mechanism of action of one dose of yohimbine in improving depressive symptoms overnight. This is a 6-week study. All participants will receive drug and placebo. Ages 18-60.
Treatment-Resistant Depression 7 Ketamine & Riluzoe
Evaluation study; inpatient. Phase I: Open-label treatment with a single dose of ketamine. Phase II: Randomized to double-blind treatment with riluzole or placebo for 4 weeks. Ages 18-65.
Depression & Medication Combination
Treatment study; inpatient and outpatient. Compares the efficacy of a combination of antidepressants (SSRI & dopamine agonist) to the efficacy of the antidepressants alone. This is a 9-week study. Ages 18-65.
Call for more information:
Libby Jolkovsky
National Institute of Mental Health
(301) 402-9347
(TTY) 1-866-411-1010