Currently Recruiting Studies
Are you interested in participating in research? Explore the studies below for more information.
What is research?
Research studies involve research using human volunteers (also called participants) that is intended to add to medical knowledge. Being a participant in a research study is not the same as getting treatment as a patient – there might be tests, medicines, or devices that you would not get if you were being treated as a patient. People considering being study participants are given information about the protocol and what to expect if they decide to participate in the research.
Questions to Consider
Here are some questions to ask the study team to help you decide if you want to take part in a research study:
- Do I qualify for the study? What is the study trying to find out?
- What kinds of test and exams will I have to take while I'm in the study?
- How much time do these take? What is involved in each test?
- How often does the study require me to go to the doctor, laboratory or clinic?
- What follow-up will there be? What will happen at the end of the study?
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Virtual Reality Therapy for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
This research study is seeking participants, ages 18-70 years of age, who are diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) to participate in a research study on the use of virtual reality (VR) therapy for FND. The purpose of the study is to learn if computerized delivery of physical and cognitive behavior therapy is an effective treatment for FND. If you decide to participate, you will be randomized to receive the intervention or to receive placebo. In both cases you will receive 8 sessions of a VR experience. You will also be asked to take several surveys, provide feedback, and be videotaped while wearing a virtual reality helmet display and playing several games. Some of the games will involve hitting targets while you embody a computer generated avatar body. Audio and video taping may occur while you participate, but that data will not be linked to your personal information, and the data will be destroyed after it has been coded and transcribed. You may be identifiable in the videotapes.
Recruitment age range: 18-70 years old
Contact information for participant inquiries: (650) 714-1459
Key words: VR, FND
Social Motivation in Children: Online Study for Parents
Researchers at Stanford University are currently recruiting parents of children between 2-30 years of age to participate in a research study in order to better understand social motivation in children. To complete the survey, go to: https://is.gd/ssms_study
Recruitment age range: Parents of children 2-30 years old
Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-736-1235; autismdd@stanford.edu
Key words: social motivation; social skills
Cognitive Training for Executive Functioning
This is a research study exploring changes in brain function in response to a novel neurofeedback training.
Recruitment age range: 7-17 years old
Contact information for participant inquiries: Lindsay Chromik at lchromik@stanford.edu
Key words: ADHD, neurofeedback
Accelerated Theta Burst in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Biomarker Study
This study is looking for participants that have depression with a history of being unresponsive to at least one medication, that might respond to this new treatment. This study provides a new way of using transcranial magnetic stimulation to treat depression and is called theta burst stimulation. It involves using a shorter period of stimulation for each treatment, which might benefit patients. If you have been diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression and are interested in participating, please fill out our survey to see if you qualify. This is a multi-step screening process. https://is.gd/research_screening
Recruitment age range: 18-70 years old
Contact information for participant inquiries: Merve Gulser mgulser@stanford.edu
Key words: depression, TMS
Apnea and Insomnia Research (AIR) Study
This study investigates how to best treat insomnia among individuals with insomnia who also have sleep apnea. We are comparing two forms of enhanced usual insomnia and apnea care. We are also interested in comparing internet-based and therapist-delivered treatment options.
Recruitment age range: 21-80 years old
Contact information for participant inquiries: Contact research coordinator, Bella Scott: call at (650) 721.1256 or email at bella09@stanford.edu
Key words: sleep apnea, insomnia, sleep
A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo Controlled, Two Arm Multi-Center Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of a Once Nightly Formulation of Sodium Oxybate for Extended-Release Oral Suspension (FT218) for the Treatment of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Cataplexy in Subjects With Narcolepsy
This is a single nightly formulation drug, FT218, for the treatment of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Cataplexy in subjects with Narcolepsy. Participants must have documented evidence of Narcolepsy Type-1 or Type-2, and no prior use of Xyrem.
Recruitment age range: 16+
Contact information for participant inquiries: Polina Davidenko (650) 721-7552
Key words: Narcolepsy, Cataplexy
Dawn simulation as a passive countermeasure to postural hypotension in healthy older adults
We are seeking participants, ages 55-85, with balance problems for a research study investigating the use of special lights to improve morning balance. Two separate overnight stays at the VA Palo Alto Sleep Lab are required. Participants must be healthy, non-smokers, with a history of falls or dizziness in the past year and without sleep problems. Compensation up to $200.
Recruitment age range: 55-85
Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-493-5000 x65497
Key words: Morning dizziness, sleep
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel design study to examine the effectiveness of 10 mg suvorexant in improving daytime sleep in shift workers.
Stanford University and the VA Palo Alto Health Care System are seeking participants, ages 20-60, for a research study investigating the use of an FDA-approved medication to improve daytime sleep. Five weeks of at-home sleep monitoring that includes three weeks of at-home drug or placebo pill. Participants must be healthy, non-smokers, who work at least six hours of night shift three or more times per week and have difficulty sleeping during the day. Volunteers paid up to $400 for successful completion of the study.
Recruitment age range: 20-60
Contact information for participant inquiries: 1-650-849-1971
Key words: Night shift, insomnia
Ultrashort Light Pulses as a Personalized Countermeasure for Circadian Desynchrony
Stanford University and the Palo Alto VA are seeking participants, ages 18-35, for a research study investigating the use of bright light to improve nighttime alertness and change the timing of the circadian clock. 2-day/night stay at the VA Sleep Lab, 2-weeks of at-home sleep monitoring using a wrist-watch device. Participants must be healthy, non-smokers, without sleep problems. Volunteers paid up to $400 for successful completion of 2-day/night stay in VA Sleep Lab.
Recruitment age range: 18-35
Contact information for participant inquiries: 1-650-849-1971
Key words: Jet lag, sleep
Arousal Induced by Medication Study (AIMS)
The goal of this trial is to evaluate the benefit and safety of antidepressant and psychotherapy treatment in teens who are seeking treatment for depression or anxiety and have a possible family history of bipolar disorder (If you are not sure, no problem! Your family may come in for an evaluation to see). These youth receive free drug therapy and psychotherapy and complete behavioral, clinical, physiological, and genetic assessments, as well as MRI scans of the brain.
Recruitment age range: 12-17
Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-721-4049 | thepearlab@stanford.edu
Key words: Pediatric, mood, MRI
For more information on our lab and studies, please visit this webpage: https://med.stanford.edu/pedmood/research/JoinAStudy.html. This webpage also contains a survey link that you may complete if interested in finding out if your family might be eligible to participate in one of our studies!
Risk & Resilience Study (RnR)
The goal of this study is to discover factors that make youth either vulnerable or resilient to developing mood symptoms. Youth with a possible family history of bipolar disorder (If you are not sure, no problem! Your family may come in for an evaluation to see) are invited to participate.
Recruitment age range: 8-17
Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-721-4049 | thepearlab@stanford.edu
Key words: Pediatric, mood, MRI
For more information on our lab and studies, please visit this webpage: https://med.stanford.edu/pedmood/research/JoinAStudy.html. This webpage also contains a survey link that you may complete if interested in finding out if your family might be eligible to participate in one of our studies!
Narcolepsy with Cataplexy
This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized-withdrawal, multicenter study of the efficacy and safety of JZP-258 for the treatment of Narcolepsy Type II.
Recruitment age range: 18-70
Contact information for participant inquiries: Kary Newman (650) 721-7574
Key words: Narcolepsy, Cataplexy
A study on realization of objective evaluation method of depression using sleep EEG
The purpose of this study is to test the ability of a brainwave measurement device (SLEEPSCOPE) in identifying and assisting in the diagnosis of depression. The brainwave data from individuals with untreated depression and healthy participants will be collected and analyzed. The ability to obtain brainwave data from individuals in their homes while they're sleeping would represent a significant advance in depression research. We are recruiting both individuals with Major Depression and Healthy Volunteers for this study.
Recruitment age range: 30-59
Contact information for participant inquiries: Kary Newman (650) 721-7574
Key words: depression, sleep
Impact of Affect Reactivity and Regulation on Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions
Women diagnosed with breast cancer face decisions about how to treat the affected breast as well as whether or not to remove the unaffected one. In our research study, we will be looking at the factors that may influence these treatment decisions. We would like to better understand what women think and feel as they are deciding on their cancer treatment. Interested individuals can also leave their contact information in a Stanford secure website by going to the following link: https://is.gd/StanfordTreatmentDecisionStudy
Recruitment age range: 18 and older
Recruitment gender: Female
Contact information for participant inquiries: (650) 723-5736 | treatmentdecisionstudy@stanford.edu
Key words: breast cancer
MOSAIC: Managment Of Insomnia in Breast Cancer Patients
As many as 80% of cancer patients experience sleep problems. Researchers at Stanford Cancer Center are conducting a study funded by the National Cancer Institute to treat and prevent sleep difficulties in breast cancer patients using behavioral treatments - that means one less drug.
Recruitment age range: 21+
Recruitment gender: Female
Contact information for participant inquiries: Oxana Palesh
Key words: sleep, breast cancer, insomnia
Investigation of Functional Networks in the Human Brain Using Neuroimaging and Neuromodulation
This is a research study of brain structure and function. From this research we better understand how regions in the brain are interconnected and if the interconnections in the brain function differently in people with who have or have not had traumatic experiences.
Recruitment age range: 18-45
Contact information for participant inquiries: plongwel@stanford.edu
Key words: depression, PTSD, fMRI, TMS, EEG
Biomarker Establishment for Superior Treatment of PTSD
Establishing objective diagnosis for Veterans with PTS using cutting-edge brain science. Our goal is to ensure Veterans are getting the most effective and personalized treatment. We seek to develop clinically useful measures to predict treatment outcomes in real world settings.
Recruitment age range: 18+
Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-683-5980 | ptsdbrainstudy@stanford.edu
Key words: PTSD, Veterans, Brain
Water-based Activity to Enhance Recall in Veterans
You are being asked to take part in a study for improving memory in veterans 50 to 90 years of age, who have mild memory problems. We hope to learn whether exercise improves memory training by using a water base intervention.
Recruitment age range: 50-90 years old
Contact information for participant inquiries: Heather Taylor at Heather.Taylor5@va.gov or 650-493-5000 ext 68957
Key words: Exercise, Memory
Investigation of Functional Networks in the Human Brain Using Neuroimaging and Neuromodulation
This is a research study of brain structure and function. From this research we better understand how regions in the brain are interconnected and if the interconnections in the brain function differently in people with who have or have not had traumatic experiences.
Recruitment age range: 18-45
Contact information for participant inquiries: plongwel@stanford.edu
Key words: depression, PTSD, fMRI, TMS, EEG
Brain Mapping Study
A neuroimaging brain mapping study including fMRI, TMS, and behavioral tasks.
Recruitment age range: 18-60
Contact information for participant inquiries: psychiatry@stanford.edu | 650-498-5151
Key words: depression, anxiety, PTSD
BEAM (Biomarkers using EEG for the Amelioration of Mood disorders)
Importantly, findings from the BEAM study will lead to a better understanding of the neural mechanism of rTMS treatment for depression. Furthermore, this neurobiological understanding will allow the development of new and improved stimulation paradigms that will induce maximal plasticity effects in the specific circuits of interest. This novel paradigm, potentially personalized to the individual, can help guide treatment as it provides a physiological measure of treatment response. This brain-based biomarker could thus increase the efficacy of rTMS treatment, reduce costs, and help alleviate the burden of disease for depression and other psychiatric disorders.
Recruitment age range: 18+
Contact information for participant inquiries: kamron@stanford.edu
Key words: depression
Online Cognitive Training to Alleviate Symptoms of Anxiety
Assessing the effectiveness of different computerized online games on emotion regulation, well-being and brain function in individuals with elevated levels of anxiety. First, we hope to investigate the effectiveness of a computer-based intervention in patients for improving emotion regulation. The second goal is to explore the brain-circuits and the mechanisms that underlie improvement using advanced functional magnetic resonance (fMRI) methodology. The training period is 45 consecutive days, 45 minutes in each day.
Recruitment age range: 18+ years
Contact information for participant inquiries: psychiatry@stanford.edu
Key words: anxiety, depression, online
Bipolar Family History Study (Janssen)
This is an observational study that invites adolescents and young adults of parents with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder to provide clinical, genetic, and other biological information at 6-month intervals over a 2-year period. The goal of the study is to evaluate early risk markers that are targets for treatment with the overall goal of delaying or preventing the onset of bipolar disorder in at-risk youth.
Recruitment age range: 15-25 years
Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-721-4049 | thepearlab@stanford.edu
Key words: bipolar disorder, depression, mania
For more information on our lab and studies, please visit this webpage: https://med.stanford.edu/pedmood/research/JoinAStudy.html. This webpage also contains a survey link that you may complete if interested in finding out if your family might be eligible to participate in one of our studies!
Clinical Outcomes Assessment
As part of our commitment to providing your child and family cutting edge, scientifically supported care, the Early Life Stress and Pediatric Anxiety Program (ELSPAP) is conducting comprehensive anxiety evaluations in an ongoing research study. Through our baseline evaluations, ongoing outcome assessment, and tangible feedback reports, families will benefit from greater access to higher quality services.
Contact information for participant inquiries: elspapanxiety@stanford.edu
Key words: Anxiety disorders, psycho diagnostic evaluation, children/adolescents ages 7-17
Insulin Resistance and Accelerated Cognitive Aging
Premature and accelerated brain aging has been observed in people with metabolic dysfunction. Metabolic dysfunction refers to the exhibition of biomarkers for insulin resistance, which occurs when tissues become increasingly unresponsive to the effects of insulin, a hormone that helps the body’s cells take in blood sugar. The main purpose of this study is to describe the changes in brain function across adults with and without insulin resistance who are younger than 50 years of age. People who are overweight (BMI between 25 and 35 kg/m^2) and between 25 and 50 years old are eligible to participate. Study participants will undergo blood testing for their glucose and insulin levels, a blood draw for genotyping, memory testing, and a structural and functional MRI scan. Study participants will be followed for three years, with yearly assessments, and will be compensated up to $250 for their time. Participants will receive blood test results and an image of their brain from the scan as well.
Recruitment age range: 25-50 years
Contact information for participant inquiries: myoraku@stanford.edu | 650-736-2182
Key words: insulin resistance, brain aging
Stanford/VA California Alzheimer's Disease Center
Stanford/VA Alzheimer's Center offers information, referral services and comprehensive diagnostic assessments of individuals with memory problems. In addition to providing advanced caregiver support, intervention, community education, and professional training, the Center plays an important role in developing a central pool of information on Alzheimer's disease in California. No cost memory evaluation for veterans and non-veterans with memory concerns or other cognitive problems. http://med.stanford.edu/svalz.html
Recruitment age range: 45-90
Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-858-3915
XP109, A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Parallel Group, Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of HORIZANT (Gabapentin Enacarbil Extended-Release Tablets) in Adolescents Aged 13 to 17 Years Old with Moderate-to-Severe Primary Restless Legs Syndrome
The primary objective of the trial is to evaluate the efficacy of HORIZANT 300mg and 600mg, compared to placebo, at 12 weeks of treatment, for the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in adolescents (13 to 17 years of age) diagnosed with moderate-to-severe primary RLS.
Recruitment age range: 13-17
Contact information for participant inquiries: Polina (650) 721-7552
Key words: Sleep, Restless Legs Syndrome
Use of rTMS to Augment Hypnotic Analgesia
The investigators plan to use functional neuroimaging (fMRI) to understand the brain systems affected when hypnosis and hypnotic analgesia are augmented with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation to 100 people with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition. The investigators will measure the effect of rTMS- augmentation on the brain networks underlying hypnotizability, as well as the effect of rTMS-augmentation on hypnotic analgesia networks. The investigators hope to demonstrate that a combination of these psychological and neuromodulatory treatments will be more effective than hypnosis alone, thereby enhancing the depth of hypnosis, range of hypnosis and the efficacy of hypnotic analgesia and hopefully creating a new treatment modality for individuals suffering from pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia pain. If you have been diagnosed with fibromyagia and are interested in participating, please fill out our quick survey to see if you qualify (only takes ~2 minutes). https://is.gd/brainstimulationstudy
Recruitment age range: 18-65yo
Contact information for participant inquiries: brainstimulationstudy@stanford.edu
Key words: fibromyalgia, hypnosis, TMS
Food and Mood Study
We are currently recruiting children and adolescents to participate in a brain-imaging study to understand how appetite and mood are related. Through this study, we hope to learn more about the neurological systems critical for the response and regulation of reward that contribute to both emotional health and insulin resistance. We also hope that these findings will help us identify which adolescents will go on to develop worsening mood symptoms. Participants are clinically evaluated for symptoms of depression, receive an MRI scan of the brain and are assessed for insulin sensitivity at 3 time points over a 2-year period.
Recruitment age range: 9-17
Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-721-4049 | thepearlab@stanford.edu
Key words: depression, insulin sensitivity
For more information on our lab and studies, please visit this webpage: https://med.stanford.edu/pedmood/research/JoinAStudy.html. This webpage also contains a survey link that you may complete if interested in finding out if your family might be eligible to participate in one of our studies!
Pilot Study Investigating the Impact of a Group-Based Worry Intervention Trial on Psychotic Symptoms, Worry, and Distress
This is a pilot study of a group-based intervention targeting worry in young adults with psychosis. We will be investigating the feasibility and applicability of the group protocol. Treatment will focus on learning strategies to manage worry, with the aim of reducing psychotic symptoms, worry, and distress.
Recruitment age range: 18-26
Contact information for participant inquiries: khardy@stanford.edu
Key words: psychosis, worry, anxiety
Disease Recovery Evaluation and Modification (DREaM) Study
A Prospective, Matched-Control, Randomized, Open-Label, Flexible-Dose, Study in Subjects with Recent-Onset Schizophrenia or Schizophreniform Disorder to Compare Disease Progression and Disease Modification Following Treatment with Paliperidone Palmitate Long-Acting Injection or Oral Antipsychotics
Recruitment age range: 18-35
Contact information for participant inquiries: Daniel Virtheim: dmvirt@stanford.edu | (650) 353-7030
Key words: Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform Disorder
Treating Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Using Family-Based Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
Children ages 5 to 12 with a diagnosis of Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and their families are invited to participate in a Family Based Treatment research study through the Stanford Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences. The study consists of 22 one-hour sessions of this novel therapy intervention over the course of 6 months. Treatment will be provided by doctoral-level, highly skilled therapists.
Recruitment age range: 5 - 12 years of age
Contact information for participant inquiries: mvierhil@stanford.edu | (650) 723-7885
Key words: eating disorders, FBT, ARFID
Confirming the Efficacy/Mechanism of an Adaptive Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa
Currently, the most promising treatment for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa is Family Based Treatment (FBT). In this study, all participants will receive standard FBT for Anorexia Nervosa administered by trained psychologists free of charge to the family. If participants fail to show sufficient improvement by study parameters by session 4, they will be randomized to receive either FBT + Intensive Parental Coaching (IPC) or FBT as usual. If participants make expected milestones by session 4, they will continue FBT as usual. The total number of sessions will be from 15 to 18 depending on randomization. The adolescent will also earn $50 upon completion of the entire study for their participation.
Recruitment age range: 12-18 years of age
Contact information for participant inquiries: familytreatment@stanford.edu | (650) 723-9182
Key words: eating disorders, FBT, Anorexia Nervosa
Parent Based Prevention post Bariatric Surgery
This is a research study testing a focused program for parents who underwent a bariatric surgery in the past year, and who have a child between 1-10 years old. The program addresses common parenting dilemmas, and provides new tools and skills for developing healthy eating habits in the children. All six meetings may be held at Stanford, or may be delivered via an online secure conferencing program, depending on your location and preferences.
Recruitment age range: 18+ years
Contact information for participant inquiries: hawelch@stanford.edu
Key words: Bariatric surgery, weight loss, healthy habits
Study of the Effects of Long-Term Multi-Domain Cognitive Training on Large-Scale Structural and Functional Brain Networks in Alzheimer's Disease
Recent neuroimaging studies suggest that neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is so diffuse that it affects the global organization of brain networks. Innovative approaches are required to pinpoint network-level changes in response to cognitive training in those at risk of AD. The proposed research will help us examine the organization of structural and functional brain networks in mild cognitive impairment, identify the influence of cognitive training at large-scale brain network level, and characterize the influence of various risk modifiers on training outcomes. We are looking for adults over the age of 65. Either healthy controls or individuals with MCI. Must be MRI compatible.
Recruitment age range: 65-90~ years
Contact information for participant inquiries: arjunra@stanford.edu | 650-497-1479
Key words: mild cognitive impairment, older adults
Food and Brain Study
The FAB study is looking at emotion and reward - and the regions of the brain where these feelings originate - in women who struggle with binge eating behaviors. Participants are compensated between $150-180 for their time!
Recruitment age range: 18-35 years
Recruitment gender: Female
Contact information for participant inquiries: hawelch@stanford.edu
Key words: eating disorders, binge eating, neuroimaging
VA Cultivating Access to Resources, Education, and Skills for Dementia Caregivers (VA CARES)
To address the high burden of caring for a Veteran with dementia, the primary purpose of this research program is to study how education and skill-building can improve quality of life for caregivers. The study will help researchers and clinicians better understand how to help families of Veterans with dementia. Eligible participants: Family caregivers of Veterans with dementia. Participants will be randomly assigned to either participate in a brief series of education and skill sessions led by a dementia expert or receive paper educational materials related to dementia and caregiving.
Recruitment age range: 18+
Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-849-0481
Key words: dementia, caregivers, stress
Mobile Tablet Education to Advance Caregiver Health (Mobile TEACHing)
To address the high burden of caring for a Veteran with dementia, the purpose of this research is to study the effects of a rehabilitative intervention delivered via mobile tablets (e.g., iPad) directly to the homes of caregivers. The tablets will be customized with educational and skill resources.
Recruitment age range: 18+
Contact information for participant inquiries: 650-849-0481
Key words: dementia, caregiving, technology
Evaluation of the Community Provider Toolkit and Military Culture Training
This project will increase access to resources and services for Veterans through evaluation. The long-term goal is to enhance access to and improve the quality of mental health care and support available to Veterans and their families. Lack of military cultural awareness in Community Mental Health care can result in Veterans feeling misunderstood by providers and contribute to increased treatment dropout. Easy access to information and training about military culture and treatment resources, as well as professional consultation, can increase the likelihood that providers are prepared to care for Veterans.
Recruitment age range: 18-90
Contact information for participant inquiries: Shannon.McCaslin@va.gov 650-493-5000 x22478
Key words: Community Provider, Social Worker, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Primary Care Doctor, and Military Culture Training, PTSD
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to Improve Cognition
VA researchers are studying whether memory can be improved using a technique called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Up to $300 compensation for completing the study, plus mileage reimbursement. If you qualify for the study, you would take part in 20 sessions (approx. 30-60 min) over 2-6 weeks at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. There will be follow-up interviews at 6 months.
Recruitment age range: 50-75 years
Contact information for participant inquiries: (650) 493-5000 x 66444
Key words: cognition, memory, tbi
Researchers
To update or remove the study information listed on this page, please email mhantke@stanford.edu. To submit an IRB approved study for posting, please fill out this form.
Participants
To speak with an informed individual who is unaffiliated with specific research call (866) 680-2906 for questions, concerns, or complaints about research, research related injury or questions about the rights of a research participant.