Search Criteria: Mental Health and Well-being Studies;
A Computer Program Designed for Older Adults with Depression
The purpose of this study is to see how well older adults with depression can use a computer program designed to improve certain types of thinking skills (CCR-GD). We also want to learn whether participating in CCR-GD will improve both a persons thinking and mood. The information we gain may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00103167)
A Financial Intervention for Dementia Family Caregivers in Early and Middle Adulthood
Caregivers who care for children, family, or friends with long-term health issues often face work, health, or financial problems. This study wants to better understand how to deliver a financial intervention for Dementia family caregivers in early and middle adulthood. People in the study will participate in a 30-to-45-minute interview on Zoom and complete a survey. Participants will then complete a 4-week intervention with 4 sessions on Zoom and 2 surveys. Participants will receive compensation for study completion. (IRB#: IRB_00185128)
A Study of Transcranial Magnetic Brain Stimulation (TMS) to Help Treat Methamphetamine Use During Pregnancy
This study is testing a treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to see if it may help pregnant people who are using methamphetamine. TMS does not use surgery or medicine. It uses gentle magnetic pulses placed on the head to help certain parts of the brain that affect mood, cravings, and decisionmaking. There are very few safe and effective treatments for methamphetamine use during pregnancy. Some treatments do not work well or may not be safe during pregnancy. This study is being done to see if TMS can be used safely during pregnancy and if people are willing and able to use it. People in the study will receive either TMS or the usual care they would normally receive. The study team will check how cravings, drug use, mood, and overall wellbeing change during the study. The health of both the pregnant person and the baby will be closely watched to help keep them safe. Some participants may be asked to do interviews to talk about their experience in the study. They can share what they liked, what was hard, and how the treatment could be better. With permission, the study team may also talk with people who support the participant, such as a partner, family member, or close support person. The study team may also talk with the participants healthcare providers. These interviews are optional, and people can choose whether or not they want to take part. The goal of this study is to help find safer and better treatments for pregnant people with substance use problems and to improve health for both parents and their babies. (IRB#: IRB_00202011)
Adapting Taekwondo for Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities
This study will see whether an adaptive Taekwondo program can be helpful and enjoyable for children and adolescents with autism or Down syndrome. The study will learn if the program is safe and something families would be willing to do. People in the study will attend a 8-week program, meeting twice a week at a local martial arts studio. The classes will focus on movement, balance, strength, and building confidence. Activities will be adapted to meet the needs of each child and adolescent. The study will test and measure the impact of the program on the participants' quality of life and family interests. (IRB#: IRB_00194877)
Advance Care Planning in Dementia
Advanced care planning is important for adults, but maybe even more for people with memory loss. This disease can leave end-of-life decision-making up to the care partner. Often, the care partner does not know how to make the best decisions in the situation. Research is needed to improve and evaluate a website called LEAD Intervention (Life-Planning in Early Alzheimers and Dementia). LEAD is designed to help persons with memory loss have conversations, document, and share their end-of-life decisions with a care partner, extended family, and healthcare providers. (IRB#: IRB_00132042)
Assessing Wilderness Therapy Program Years After Participation
This study will learn about the experiences of people who attended a wilderness therapy program as teenagers. The study wants to better understand the long-term effects of adolescent wilderness therapy program participation. Being in the study requires attending an online interview via Zoom. The interview will last up to 40 minutes. Participants will receive payment for study participation. (IRB#: IRB_00191543)
Behavioral Treatment for Nightmares in People with Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder
Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a condition where people physically act out their dreams during REM sleep. This study wants to learn whether a behavioral (non-medication) treatment can reduce nightmares in adults with the condition. People with RBD and their care partners (spouse or other family member living with them) will participate in the study. All participants will receive the treatment via videoconference and complete 2 assessments. Participants with RBD will attend 7 sessions, and their care partners will attend 2 of those sessions with them. Participants will receive compensation for completing study activities. (IRB#: IRB_00187090)
Brain Recordings for People with Deep Brain Stimulation for Severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder causes a person to have constant thoughts that can lead to repeated behaviors that may severely disrupt a persons life. This study will look at the effects of deep brain electrical stimulation therapy (small electrodes implanted in a persons brain that send mild amounts of electricity) on a patient with this disorder who has already been implanted with the Deep Brain Stimulation system. The study aims to better understand the relationship between brain activity, behavior, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder symptoms to help people with this disorder. People in this study will have the already recorded brain activity they received as standard of care collected and analyzed. Being in the study may last as long as the participant receives stimulation therapy and wants to participate. (IRB#: IRB_00169174)
Brain Stimulation for People Using Opioids for Chronic Pain
People with chronic pain are often prescribed long-term opioid medication. This study will test how a non-invasive, brain stimulation using focused ultrasound activates the brain and impacts health symptoms. This study wants to develop better ways to help people with chronic pain. People in the study will complete surveys, medical exams, and interviews. Being in the study requires attending about 7 in-person visits at the study clinic over about 7-8 weeks. Each visit varies in time ranging from about 1 to 4 hours. People in the study will have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to take brain images and study stimulation. Participants will receive $350 for full study completion or $15 per hour for incompletion of all study visits. (IRB#: IRB_00179276)
Brain Stimulation for People with Treatment-Resistant Depression
This study will test a new, non-invasive low risk method of brain stimulation for people with treatment-resistant depression. This study wants to test how an ultrasound will be used to reach a specific area of the brain and the immediate effects on a person's mood. The study wants to see if the ultrasound brain stimulation helps people with treatment-resistant depression. People in the study will complete surveys, experience brain stimulations, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to scan the brain. Being in the study requires attending 10 visits to the study clinic over about 2 months, including visits with MRI scans. (IRB#: IRB_00148802)
Caracterizar la variabilidad en el funcionamiento ejecutivo y diario en adultos hispanos y latinos mayores (Characterizing Variability in Executive and Daily Functioning in Hispanic and Latino/a/e Older Adults)
Estamos analizando las relaciones entre las habilidades de pensamiento y funcionamiento cotidiano en adultos de habla hispana quienes tienen de 50 años en adelante. Estamos observando el impacto de varios factores diarios, tal como el estado de ánimo, sueño y dolor en la habilidad de pensar y completar tareas todos los días. El estudio implicaría venir a la Universidad de Utah para una consulta de investigación de 4 horas y luego hacer tareas diarias en su casa por las siguientes 3 semanas. ¡Le pagaremos su participación! No tiene que tener número de seguro social para participar. Comuníquese con nosotros para más información si está interesado y cumple con el criterio del estudio. (We are examining the relationship between thinking skills and daily functioning in Spanish-speaking adults who are 50 and older. We are looking at the impact of many daily life factors, such as mood, sleep, and pain, on your ability to think and get tasks done each day. The study will involve coming to the University of Utah for a 4-hour research visit and then doing daily tasks at home for the following 3 weeks. We will pay you for your participation! You do not need to have a social security number to participate. Please contact us for more information if you are interested and meet the study criteria.) (IRB#: IRB_00166063)
Caregivers' Emotions to Their Young Children Related to Stress
This study is to better understand families' experiences with their young children. We want to know about the emotions that caregivers show to their children and how these are related to caregivers' stress levels. This will help us better support families and their young children. People in this study will complete surveys on an iPad or phone for 14 days for one month. Compensation is provided for the completion of surveys. Participant names are not identified. What we learn will help us better understand how caregivers stress and emotions are expressed to their children. (IRB#: IRB_00165890)
CELESTE: Comparative Effectiveness study of behavioraL and drug-rElated inSomnia Therapies for pEri- and post-menopausal people
The goal of this study is to find out which of three commonly used treatments works best and is safest for improving sleep in women who have trouble sleeping during the peri or early menopause transition. We will compare an online, selfguided sleep program, a prescription sleep medication (trazodone), and a newer sleep medication (daridorexant) to learn which options are most helpful and safest, based on participants own experiences. (IRB#: IRB_00197428)
Cultural Adaption of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Postpartum Depression Support Group
In Utah, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have higher rates of Postpartum Depression than other racial/ethnic groups. Utah has support groups available to mothers in the postpartum period, but available support groups do not integrate Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander culture into the curriculum. This study will learn about experiences from mothers who are members of the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community in Utah and have given birth within the last 5 years. People in the study will participate in a group discussion virtually using Zoom to share experiences. (IRB#: IRB_00185936)
Dating and Sexual Violence Screening at the University of Utah
This study will address the issue of dating and sexual violence among students at the University of Utah. The study wants to improve campus-based violence screening and support practices at the University of Utah. People in the study will participate in one 30- to 60-minute interview, either in person or via Zoom. Participants will share perceptions of campus dating and sexual violence, including how to improve the resources provided by the university. People will be paid for participation. (IRB#: IRB_00196127)
Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery for People with Treatment Resistant Depression
This study wants to learn the benefits of surgically implanting a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system to help people with major depressive disorder. People in the study will have had at least 4 other treatments during current depression or throughout the lifetime, but none have fully helped the symptoms of depression. People in the study must first qualify for having brain surgery to implant the DBS system. This is done by attending multiple visits with study psychiatrists and medical exams at the study clinic. Participants that qualify will have the DBS system implanted and temporarily transfer psychiatric care to the study psychiatrist from Huntsman Mental Health Institute for at least 12 months. Being in the study lasts about 36 months. Medical tests will be done during the study to track the health of participants. (IRB#: IRB_00175654)
Developing a Program for Couples Coping with Aphasia
Aphasia is a condition that can occur after a person has a stroke. Apashia is when a person is unable to communicate effectively. A program has already been created to support stroke recovery and improve the quality of life for couples. This study wants to create a new part of the program for couples where one partner has aphasia from a stroke. People in the study will complete a survey and attend three 90-minute group discussions. People will be paid for participation. (IRB#: IRB_00193407)
Exercise and Brain Function
Exercise is known for helping a persons brain function. Research is needed to better understand how exercise may help improve the brain's learning and memory processes. The information we gain may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00152596)
Experiences in everyday driving conditions
We are studying the experiences of participants when they are driving in a simulator. Participants will be asked to complete a few surveys around the main driving task experience. Participants will also listen to short, recorded sentences as part of a secondary listening task. (IRB#: IRB_00198689)
Family Caregiving, Work, and Employer Leave Policies
Often caregivers are unpaid family members who also must work for income to live. This may create challenges as these caregivers may need to take time off work. There are no federal paid family leave laws, but some states have policies that help by giving income, job protection and time off for caregiving. This study wants to see how caregiving and work policies impact caregivers well-being. People in the study will participate in a 60-minute interview online via Zoom to share their experiences as a caregiver. People will be paid for study participation. (IRB#: IRB_00185711)
Find your Flow Songwriting app!
Enjoy creating your own music on your phone or computer? Use songs to de-stress? Interested to try something new to work with your stress or anxiety? If so, this study is for you. "Flow" is a new creative songwriting tool that we are experimenting with on its possible benefits for stress and anxiety. The Arts & Health research team seeks participants who are interested in trying out the app by creating their own song and telling us what they think about it and if it helps in any way, especially with stress or anxiety. (IRB#: IRB_00197879)
Home- and Community-Based Services for Veterans with Cognitive Impairments and their Caregivers
Veterans are at a high risk of having Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). This is because of military experiences like traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Family members often provide care for Veterans with AD/ADRD. This allows them to live at home in their community. Research is needed to learn about these Veterans and caregivers' current needs and the best home- and community-based care services. The information we gain may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00152365)
Interviews about REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
This study includes conversations with people to better understand whether a nonmedication approach could help those living with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). We are inviting people who have RBD, as well as their spouses or family members who live with them, to take part. We are also inviting sleep researchers and healthcare providers who specialize in RBD. Participants will join either a group discussion or a oneonone interview to share their experiences, ideas, and suggestions. (IRB#: IRB_00201758)
Latter-day Saint and Utah Dwelling Family Caregivers
Family caregivers provide important support for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Faith communities can be an important source of support for these caregivers. This study wants to learn about the context of the Latter-day Saints faith community and living in Utah for family caregivers. People in this study will complete a survey and a one-time 30-to-45-minute interview or one-time 60-to-75-minute group discussion using a technology device such as a computer over Zoom. Participants will receive a $50 gift card for completing the study. (IRB#: IRB_00188500)
Long Covid-19 and Cognitive Symptoms
Many people experience long COVID cognitive symptoms after recovering from a COVID-19 infection. How to treat people with long COVID cognitive symptoms is not fully known. Urgent research is needed to create safe and effective ways to help people with this condition. The information we gain from your participation may aid future patients by informing researchers what cognitive functions are impaired by long COVID, and whether digital cognitive training may treat those functions. (IRB#: IRB_00173438)
Massage and the Brain
In 2018, over 47.5 million adult Americans received at least one massage. Although massage is commonly used to improve overall health and symptoms of depression and anxiety, the effects on the brain are unclear. This study will use fMRI, an image taken to show how the brain responds to whole-body massage. The information we gain may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00155218)
Massage for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is very upsetting and disabling for people. Massage is known to decrease anxiety. Research is needed to study the effects massage has on symptoms of anxiety and the brain. The information we learn will improve our knowledge of massage to provide more options of care for people with GAD. (IRB#: IRB_00153327)
Memory and the Aging Brain
The purpose of this study is to examine age-related changes in attention and memory, whether these changes can be explained by changes in the brain, and how certain health variables contribute to changes in memory and the brain. (IRB#: IRB_00194069)
Mental Health Training Needs in Utah Schools
There are often big gaps in training for mental health workers, especially in rural areas. Studies show that time, cost, and access are big barriers to using the best methods in mental health practice. A new study in Utah wants to find out what training is needed for mental health workers in schools, to help them better meet the needs of students. (IRB#: IRB_00156144)
Mothers' Infant Feeding Strategies and Wellbeing
We are looking for pregnant and new mothers and those who work with them (such as doulas, midwives, and lactation consultants) to participate in a research study about feeding experiences and maternal mental health and wellbeing. This study aims to understand new mothers' experiences with feeding their infants and how these experiences are related to their wellbeing. We are interested in the messages women receive and the policies that impact their feeding strategies and experiences. (IRB#: IRB_00189272)
Motivation for People to Quit Smoking
This study wants to learn what motivates people who smoke to try quitting. The study wants to understand how certain factors, such as emotions and stress, make people feel motivated to quit smoking and whether they try quitting. Participants will come to a virtual visit to learn about the study. If they agree to participate, they be texted a survey that takes approximately 20-40 minutes to complete. Participation also requires answering a 3-minute survey on the smartphone app 2 times per day for 28 days. Being in the study will last about 1 month. The surveys will ask participants about feelings, experiences, emotions, smoking, and whether they tried to quit that day. (IRB#: IRB_00190436)
Navigating Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Communities
This study wants to better understand the experiences of transgender and gender-diverse people and their loved ones when accessing gender-affirming care. Being in the study requires attending a group discussion held virtually online for about 90 minutes. People will be paid for participation. The information learned will help identify challenges people face in getting care, the medical and social needs that are not being met, and how Utah's current cultural climate influences decisions about medical care. The study will help improve healthcare services and support for transgender and gender-diverse individuals and their families. (IRB#: IRB_00185998)
New Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Software to Improve Diagnosis of People with Neurovascular Diseases.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a way to form pictures inside of a persons body. A new MRI software has been designed to improve the quality and diagnosis of neurovascular diseases in the brain and surrounding areas. These diseases can cause problems in the muscles and nerves of a persons body. We want to learn if new MRI software creates better pictures to help people with neurovascular diseases. The information we gain may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00162281)
Online Psychology Studies
We want to learn how different people behave in complex situations. These complex situations are about how you make choices and what affects your choices. We will ask people in this study to do tasks on a private, online site that we created. We will compare this to how people with epilepsy do the tasks. We hope to better understand how to help people with epilepsy. (IRB#: IRB_00175849)
Pathways to Identification: A Qualitative Study of Entry Into the Involuntary Celibate Community
This project seeks to investigate how individuals come to identify with the "incel" (involuntary celibate) community, focusing specifically on the pathways by which people become affiliated with this online subculture. Through semi-structured interviews with self-identifying involuntary celibate individuals, this qualitative study aims to understand participants' own narratives, through which we may examine the social, emotional, and contextual factors, such as experiences of loneliness, marginalization, or rejection, by which an individual comes to associate themselves with the incel movement. (IRB#: IRB_00194825)
Postpartum: Couples Under Pressure
Having a baby is wonderfulbut it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. Postpartum: Couples Under Pressure is a research study about what life is really like for couples during pregnancy and after a baby is born. It looks at how new parents deal with stress, arguments, changing responsibilities, and shifts in their relationship during this big life change. By listening to couples real experiences, the study hopes to better understand the everyday challenges of early parenthood and find ways to better support families during this time. Taking part is private and confidential, and helps improve future care, education, and policies for postpartum families. (IRB#: IRB_00196184)
Prevention for People with Type 2 Diabetes
A persons lifestyle may help prevent diabetes. A persons lifestyle and overall health may be influenced by their partner. Research is needed to learn how useful and successful a diabetes prevention program is for improving the lifestyle of patients at high risk for type 2 diabetes and their partner. The information we gain may aid future patients. (IRB#: IRB_00166946)
Psychedelic Use and People with Neurological or Musculoskeletal Injuries
This study wants to understand better the experiences of people who have had neurological or musculoskeletal injuries, including spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, and limb loss, in relation to using psychedelics (a type of drug). People in the study will complete a survey that lasts about 10 minutes. The survey will help the study learn about peoples experiences using psychedelics. The study wants to see how these experiences have influenced the ability to adapt to an injury/disability, mental health, and any medical symptoms or side effects. (IRB#: IRB_00175868)
Red Light Therapy for People who are Veterans
This study will see the impact of a specific light therapy called photobiomodulation (PBM) on brain health and resiliency, cognitive and behavioral performance, and psychological health in Veterans who have also received treatment at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital. People in the study will receive either a sham or an active treatment headset. A sham headset is physically identical to the active headset but does not provide any light therapy. Being in the study requires a pre-treatment assessment that takes approximately 4.5 hours, eight weeks of at-home treatment that are 20-minute treatment sessions, 5-6 times per week, and a post-treatment assessment that lasts about 4.5 hours. During the pre-and post-treatment sessions, information will be collected about thinking ability, behavior, general mood, and motor function to see the impact of the light therapy. People will also have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help see the inside of the brain to understand if changes occur related to any improvements in thinking or mood. (IRB#: IRB_00168602)
Reducing Nightmares for Adults with Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes severe drowsiness. This study wants to learn whether a behavioral (non-medication) treatment can reduce nightmares in adults with narcolepsy. All participants will receive the treatment and will complete three assessments. Half of the participants will receive the treatment after the first assessment, and half will receive it after the second assessment. Being in the study requires attending 7 treatment sessions over 20 weeks. Participants will receive compensation for completing study activities. (IRB#: IRB_00188162)
Skill Learning Study for Teens
This study will learn more about emotions and behaviors, especially self-injury, suicide attempts, and interpersonal relationships. This study will see how teaching certain skills might help teens (ages 13 to 17 years old) and their parents during times of stress. Participants in the study will complete surveys and interviews. Some participants will also have images taken of the brain. Being in the study lasts about 10 weeks with a 6-month follow-up visit. Study visits will be in person at the study clinic some visits could be on Zoom. The information gained will help develop useful therapies for teens and parents. (IRB#: IRB_00166992)
Studying Identity Changes in Young Adults
This study wants to learn how young adults make sense of identity changes after important life events. Some people raised in rigid or high-demand belief systems begin to question their earlier beliefs as they enter adulthood. This study wants to understand what these experiences are like, what helps people during times of change, and how they feel about their identity now. Participants will complete a one-time 60-to 90-minute interview via Zoom and/or a 20-to 30-minute online survey. People will be paid for study participation. (IRB#: IRB_00198272)
Studying People with Neurodiversity in Meetings
This study will learn more about how adults with neurodivergent traits experience virtual workplace meetings. People in the study will complete a one-time online survey, lasting 10 to 15 minutes, about virtual meeting experiences, including participation, managing interactions, feelings after meetings, and views on meeting quality and support for participation. (IRB#: IRB_00196654)
Suicide Risk of Domestic and International Students in Higher Education in the United Kingdom and South Korea
Education is important to South Korea's development since the republic's birth in 1948. Strong emphasis on education has created a highly competitive and harsh education climate. This may impact the rising rates of academic stress and poor mental health among students in the nation. This study wants to learn the risk of suicide among South Korean students who are studying in the UK higher education institutions and their home country. This study will see how academic pressure predicts poor mental health and suicide risk. People in the study will complete online surveys that will take up to 10 minutes. (IRB#: IRB_00183413)
Support for Workers Caring for Someone with Dementia
The goal of this study is to learn what kinds of support working family caregivers need when they care for someone with dementia. We want to hear from people who work full time and/or go to school for at least 30 hours per week, and who also help care for a family member with dementia. (IRB#: IRB_00197242)
Sweet Dreams/Dulces Suenos
The purpose of this study is to learn about how women of color find time to sleep in their busy lives. As well as balancing sleep with other healthy behaviors and life demands. The study also wants to learn the impact of sleep on risk factors for cardiovascular (heart) disease and diabetes. The results from the study will help develop a new intervention to improve sleep for women. Being in the study requires attending a 90-minute in-person visit. During the visit participants will complete an online questionnaire, time use survey, and cardiometabolic assessment. After the in-person visit, participants will wear a Fitbit for 7 nights. During this time, participants will receive text messages each day to answer questions about the previous night and experiences that day. Participants will then complete a second time use survey. Participants will be paid for being in the study. (IRB#: IRB_00179415)
Teen Depression Therapy
Depression is a mental health condition that can cause a loss of interest in activities and function in a persons daily life. This study wants to see if therapy can help teenagers stay healthy and prevent depression from happening again. Participants will receive therapy virtually on a computer or other device using Zoom or another method, complete surveys, computer testing, and a brain scan using an MRI (a tool to take pictures of the brain). Therapy sessions will be done weekly for 10-14 sessions. Participation lasts 2 years to assess depression. Participants will be paid for time spent in the study outside of therapy sessions. (IRB#: IRB_00113733)
Testing a New Psychological Intervention for People with Fibromyalgia in Lupus
Lupus is a serious and lifelong illness, causing flare-ups and damage to organs. It leads to a higher risk of death and a lower quality of life. Difficult life experiences, such as trauma or childhood adversity, are more common in people with lupus and fibromyalgia. These early experiences also raise the risk of anxiety, depression, and developing lupus later in life. This study will test a new therapy known as Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET). EAET helps people understand and express emotions related to difficult past experiences, which may reduce physical pain and improve overall health. This study wants to see if EAET will help people with lupus who also suffer from chronic widespread pain (or fibromyalgia) and is safe. People in the study will be randomly chosen to receive the EAET therapy through telehealth or be on a waiting list. The study will see if the therapy helps reduce lupus flares, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and improve quality of life and sleep. The EAET group will attend 8 two-hour group therapy sessions online once a week for 8 weeks. This group will also complete homework for about 30 minutes a day during participation. The wait list group will wait for 8 weeks until the EAET group is done. Both groups will complete surveys. The wait list group can choose to participate in the next therapy group session. (IRB#: IRB_00194480)
Testing Biomarkers in People with Chronic Cough
A biomarker is a way to know what is currently happening in the body that provides signs of health conditions. Chronic refractory cough (CRC) is a cough lasting 8 weeks or longer without a known cause and/or unresponsive to typical cough treatments. This condition affects the quality of life of many people. This study will help to understand biological measure patterns such as heart rate, and respiratory (breathing) rate during interactions with staff to guide the understanding of the CRC. This will also help to better understand the underlying cause of CRC. People in the study will attend one in-person visit at a study clinic for about 3 hours. Medical tests will be done during the study to track the health of participants. (IRB#: IRB_00174890)
Testing Educational Interventions at a University-Based Training Clinic
This study will test educational interventions (academic, behavioral, emotional, and social) within the University of Utah Educational Assessment and Student Support Clinic. The study wants to see the impact of the offered evidence-based educational interventions. Evidence-based interventions used will be determined by the client and family's referral concern. Interventions may include individual, group, and caregiver. People in the study will attend intervention sessions. Being in the study requires about 1 to 2 one-hour sessions a week over 8 to 12 weeks. Telehealth may be an option for participation. (IRB#: IRB_00184674)
Testing New Tools for Measuring Human Movement
This study will test how to better measure and track human movement during daily mobility tasks. People in the study will perform simple tasks, including walking, standing, climbing stairs or a ladder, and reaching with their arms. Motion will be tracked using different motion capture technologies, so videos will be recorded during the study. People may wear small markers and sensors on the body to track movement and muscle activity. Being in the study requires attending one in-person study visit at the clinic for about 2 hours. (IRB#: IRB_00196293)
Testing Omega-3 Fatty Acids in People with Depression
Current treatments for depression are not ideal for some people. The increase in dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as omega-3 fatty acids, might help treat depression, especially in depressed people who have highly active immune cells (ability to fight off diseases). This study will help see if changes in the immune system activity are related to changes in symptoms of depression such as sadness and hopelessness. People in this study will be randomly chosen to be treated with an omega-3 fatty acid supplement or a placebo. The placebo looks like the study treatment but does not have the active treatment. Omega-3 fatty acid is approved and found in health food stores. Being in the study requires 8 visits to the study clinic for about 12 weeks. Medical tests will be done during the study to track the health of participants. (IRB#: IRB_00160768)
The CARE Study: Confirming the Effects of Acupuncture Treatments to Relieve Symptoms of Gulf War Illness
This study is being conducted to learn whether acupuncture may help improve symptoms experienced by veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI). GWI is a chronic condition that affects some veterans who were exposed to environmental hazards during military service and can cause symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and difficulty with physical functioning. The goal of this research is to help develop better treatments that may reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for veterans with Gulf War Illness. (IRB#: IRB_00181526)
The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health in Young Adults with Autism
This study wants to better understand how social media use relates to mental health among young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Social media is a common part of daily life, and many young adults use platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to communicate. However, people may experience social media differently. Participants in the study will complete an online survey that includes questions about social media use and feelings of anxiety, mood, loneliness, and self-esteem. Study participation lasts about 15-20 minutes. The study wants to learn both the helpful and challenging aspects of social media use among young adults with autism. The information may help develop more supportive resources and guidance to foster safer, more positive social media experiences in the future. (IRB#: IRB_00195986)
Treating pregnant depressed people with TMS and rumination based therapy.
Depression is a very common and serious medical condition during pregnancy. This study wants to explore a mental health treatment called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- Rumination Focused (CBT-RF) as an option for pregnant people who are also receiving an approved treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment (TMS) for depression. TMS stimulates the brain using a non-harmful electrical current when wearing a type of cap on top of a persons head. People in the study will be interviewed, answer surveys, meet with a licensed therapist, participate in therapy for CBT-RF, and participate in fMRI scans. An fMRI is like a large, spinning magnet machine that rapidly creates pictures of the brain. Being in the study requires up to 10 visits to the clinic for about 6 weeks. TMS and CBT sessions are done daily (Monday-Friday) by participants for 4-6 weeks. Medical tests will be done during the study to track the health of participants. Participants will be paid for being in the study. (IRB#: IRB_00195491)
Treating Pregnant People with Depression during Pregnancy
Depression is a very common and serious medical condition during pregnancy. This study wants to explore a mental health treatment called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- Rumination Focused (CBT-RF) as an option for pregnant people who are already receiving an approved treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment (TMS) for depression. TMS stimulates the brain using a non-harmful electrical current when wearing a type of cap on top of a persons head. People in the study will be interviewed, answer surveys, meet with a licensed therapist, participate in therapy for CBT-RF, and participate in fMRI scans. An fMRI is like a large, spinning magnet machine that rapidly creates pictures of the brain. Being in the study requires up to 10 visits to the clinic for about 6 weeks. Medical tests will be done during the study to track the health of participants. Participants will be paid for being in the study. (IRB#: IRB_00166560)
Understanding the Differences Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Military Transition Stress in Veterans
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Military Transition Stress (MTS) can occur when veterans adjust to civilian life. PTSD is a well-known mental health condition caused by exposure to traumatic events, while MTS refers to the emotional and psychological challenges some veterans experience when leaving the military. These challenges can include feeling disconnected from civilian society, struggling to find a new purpose, or difficulty adapting to changes in work, relationships, and daily routines. This study seeks to determine whether PTSD and MTS are separate conditions or if they overlap in ways that impact diagnosis and treatment. Veterans participating in this study will complete surveys about their mental health, emotions, and daily experiences. These surveys will help researchers analyze symptom patterns and determine whether current screening tools accurately identify the unique challenges veterans face after leaving the military. The results of this study could lead to better mental health assessments, improved treatment options, and more effective support systems for veterans transitioning to civilian life. (IRB#: IRB_00188116)
Using Light Therapy to Promote Brain Health in People with Moderate to Severe Brain Injury and Stroke
This study tests the effects of a specific light therapy called photobiomodulation (PBM) on brain health and resiliency for individuals experiencing moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke. PBM, also known as low-level light therapy, involves shining red or near-infrared light onto the head with a device. People in the study will first complete a pre-assessment, which includes several parts. This includes cognitive tests to assess memory, attention, and overall thinking abilities and surveys about any symptoms experienced and medical history. Participants will also have an MRI, a scan that takes pictures of your brain. After this, participants will learn how to use the light therapy device. Participants will then complete light therapy sessions at home for 12 weeks, tracking usage. Participants will return for a post-assessment at the end of the 12 weeks. This final assessment will be like the first, with cognitive tests, surveys, and another MRI. (IRB#: IRB_00163429)