Regulating Affect and Physiology in Depression

Purpose

Depression is a major source of disability and distress worldwide. Some types of thinking patterns and feelings may be different in people with a history of depression. However, not enough is known about how the brain influences the way people feel, such as how people help themselves to feel better. This research is being done to better understand how people's thinking affects their feelings, and how this might be related to risk for depression.

Keywords: depression, emotion, brain, physiology, surveys, fMRI, paid study, remote, in person

Study Sites

University of Southern California Seeley G. Mudd Building 3620 McClintock Ave Los Angeles, CA 90089

 
  • Men & Women
Age icon
18 - 27
 
 
To find out if your eligible for the study please email carlab@usc.edu 
 

What's involved?

Study length

  • 1 Year

Number of visits

  • 4 visits (3 are in-person), along with a follow-up period lasting 1 year after joining the study.

Prescription
    None
Procedures

  • Clinical interviews and questionnaires

  • 10 days of completing brief surveys on your phone throughout the day while wearing devices that measure your heart rate and breathing

  • fMRI scan to measure brain activity

  • Computer tasks in the lab

  • A second 10-day period of surveys and wearing devices, in addition to breathing exercises

  • Follow-up surveys at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, plus a 1-year phone interview

Compensation

  • Compensation is provided based on how much of the study you complete.

Medical cost coverage
    None

Eligibility

Must have

  • Ages 18-27
  • History of depression OR have never experienced depression
  • Not taking medications OR on a stable dose (30+ days)
  • In good physical health
  • Willing to come in person for visits at USC

Can't have

  • Current depressive symptoms
  • Currently pregnant
  • Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis

Complete the prescreening survey here

https://redcap.link/RAPID

Study Team

Circle silhouette
Principal Investigator
Jonathan Stange

For questions about this study, contact:

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