Participate in Our Research
To advance our knowledge of neural networks and mood disorders, our center always offers opportunities to participate in research. Click below to see if you qualify for one of our studies.
CNDS Research Screening Survey
Research participation opportunities for individuals seeking treatment for depression or post-traumatic stress.
Targeting Emotion Regulation in Bipolar Disorder with Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation: A Mechanistic Study
This study examines the effects of accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (aiTBS) on emotional regulation in individuals with bipolar depression.
Eligibility Criteria:
- 24-65 years old
- Current symptoms of depression
- DSM-5 Diagnosis of Bipolar I or Bipolar II Disorder
- Currently taking a mood stabilizing medication
- Failed 2 prior anti-depressive treatments
Study Participation Includes: Baseline screenings and questionnaires, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, random assignment to placebo or active TMS treatment groups, 5 days of TMS treatment, and a virtual post-stimulation visit
Treatment is provided at no cost. No insurance is required. Compensation for participation is provided. If you are interested in participating, please contact Dr. Walid Makhoul at walid.makhoul@pennmedicine.upenn.edu or 215-573-2409. For more detailed information on the study, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Study (RECOVER)
This study investigates the use of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for treatment-resistant depression.
Eligibility Criteria:
- 18 years or older
- Current symptoms of depression
- DSM-5 Diagnosis of Bipolar I or Bipolar II Disorder
- Currently on a stable medication regimen including a mood stabilizer
- Failed 4 anti-depressive treatment methods
Study Participation Includes: Baseline screenings and questionnaires, device implantation involving an outpatient procedure, device activation and titrations, random assignment to treatment or sham groups for one year with guaranteed stimulation after one year.
Medicare is required for enrollment. Treatment is provided at no cost. Compensation for participation is provided. If you are interested in participating, please contact Joanna Zheng at joanna.zheng@pennmedicine.upenn.edu or 215-746-3513. For more detailed information on the study, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov.
Research opportunities for individuals with depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress who wish to participate but aren't seeking treatment.
Not currently enrolling for any non-treatment studies—check back later!
Research participation opportunities for individuals without mental health diagnoses.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Brain Connectivity Study (TBS/rsFC)
This study investigates how TMS impacts the way different parts of the brain talk to each other.
Eligibility Criteria:
- 18 to 50 years old
- Right-handed
- No current or past psychiatric disorders
- Not currently on any medications that act on the central nervous system
Study Participation Includes: Baseline screening, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and TMS stimulation. If you are interested in participating, please contact Ivy Sun at ivy.sun@pennmedicine.upenn.edu. For more detailed information on the study, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov.
Compensation for participation is provided.