Participate in Research

People like you make the difference!

By participating in a research project, you play a part in helping physicians and researchers develop better ways to diagnose and treat people with mental illness. As a research participant, you learn about the causes of specific mental health problems and what can be done to manage these conditions. 

We invite you to use the search tool below to look for studies underway in the Department of Psychiatry. To explore other opportunities, visit the Pitt+Me website to learn about other studies taking place at the University of Pittsburgh.

Find a study to participate in: Enter a keyword below (for example, "depression")
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Project Title:
Decision Processes of Late-Life Suicide
Principal Investigator:
Katalin Szanto, MD
For Information Contact:
Mandy Collier (Email : dnpl@upmc.edu; Telephone : 412-246-6014)
What We Are Studying:
We are interested in understanding why some middle-aged and older adults become depressed, contemplate suicide and/or try to end their lives.
Who Is Eligible to Participate:
Participants may be eligible if they between the ages of 50 and 85 and are either currently depressed OR if they have no psychiatric history.
Who Is Not Eligible to Participate:
Participants are not eligible if they have any history of neurological disorder, dementia, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorder, if they have had any ECT treatment within the last 6 months, or if they have any history of stroke.
What Participation Involves:
Participants will complete a baseline appointment, including clinical assessments, decision-making games, and memory testing. Participants will then complete a shorter, annual follow-up visit once a year for up to 4 years. Participants will also complete an fMRI, if eligible.
Do Participants Receive Compensation as Part of the Study:
Yes
What Compensation Do Participants Receive:
Compensation is provided. Eligible participants will receive between $75 and $130 for the initial appointment, and $50 for each annual visit. Reimbursement for parking and transportation is also available.
Brochure Location: