Research
Research at SCNWH aims to address the gap in women’s mental health research and, where possible, to translate research findings to clinical practice. The Center’s research focuses on three areas: (1) the reproductive endocrine status of women with affective disorders; (2) the neurobiological effects of hormone therapy in aging women; and (3) the combined effects of affective disorders together with metabolic and endocrine risk factors (e.g. insulin resistance and obesity) on cognition and pathological brain aging. This includes understanding gender differences in the neurobiology and clinical treatment of cognitive deficits related to the confluence of these risk factors.
By virtue of its integrated approach, the Center serves as a hub for an array of research collaborators, including experts in genetics, psychiatry, neurology, endocrinology, biophysics, and ob-gyn. Further, the SCNWH research program provides a unique opportunity for residents, fellows, doctoral students, faculty and staff to work together on a range of projects initiated by students and junior investigators as part of their training experience in women’s mental health. These studies span a range of topics including cultural approaches to mental health, the epigenetics of postpartum depression, and an exploration of risk factors for cognitive decline in women with mood disorders.
We are currently enrolling participants in the following studies:
Are you overweight and depressed?
Stanford University is conducting a research study looking at the effect of a synthetic steroid medication on cortisol levels (a stress hormone in the body) and verbal memory and attention in people with a history of depression.
Participants receive an assessment of their cognitive and metabolic functioning and are compensated for their time.
Who can participate?
- People with non-remitted depressive symptoms (either unipolar or bipolar depression is OK)
- Age 50-70 years
- Not currently diagnosed with Diabetes
- Overweight (BMI > 25)
For general information about participant rights, please contact: 1-866-680-2906.
Are you worried about memory and thinking problems?
Stanford University is conducting a research study looking at the effect of a magnesium supplement on memory and attention in people with mild to moderate dementia.
Study participants receive a PET Scan, assessment of their cognitive and kidney/liver functioning, and are compensated for their time.
Please call Danielle (650) 736-2182 for more information. All calls are confidential.
Who can participate?
- People with mild to moderate dementia
- Greater than 60-years-old
- Did NOT have a heart attack or stroke within the past six months
- NOT currently taking medications known to interact with magnesium
For general information about participant rights, please contact: 1-866-680-2906.
Are you at risk for cognitive decline?
Stanford University is conducting a research study looking at the effect of an insulin-sensitizing drug on the brain.
Study participants undergo brain scans and assessment of their cognitive and metabolic functioning before and after treatment, and are compensated for their time.
Please call Katie at (650) 724-4559 for more information. All calls are confidential.
Who can participate?
- People who are overweight or obese
- Aged 50-70 years
- NOT currently diagnosed with Diabetes
- NOT currently diagnosed with dementia or other memory impairment
Collaborators at Stanford University
Other Collaborators
Michael Bauer, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
Elizabeth Blackburn, Ph.D.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco
Andre Carvaltto, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Clinical Medicine and Translational Psychiatry Research Group Faculty of Medicine Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza Brazil
Elissa Epel, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco
Margaret Gatz, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Southern California
Roger S McIntyre, M.D., FRCPC, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Nancy Pederson, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
Eduard Vieta, M.D., Ph.D., Bipolar Disorders Program, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
Owen Wolkowitz, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco
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