Research & Clinical Trials

UConn Health investigates emotional control in healthy aging and depression.

In this study we are using brain imaging to look for brain changes related to happiness in older adults and other changes that might predict worsening in depression over two years.

Recruiting adults 45 to 75 years old who:

• Have no history of depression

or

• Are in remission from a depressive disorder

Participation involves:

• 4 to 8 study appointments.
• Interviews and evaluations.
• Testing of thinking and memory.
• One-time MRI brain scan at UConn Health
• No cost for participation.
• All study appointments, except the MRI, can be done remotely

Payment to participants includes $100 at completion of the baseline assessments and $50 at completion of each of the follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months for a total of up to $200 for the 1-year study.

Principal Investigator: Lihong Wang, M.D., Department of Psychiatry

To learn more about the study, contact Dr. Wang at 860-679-7881 or lwang@uchc.edu.

IRB Number: 20-122-1

Recruitment closing date: June 2023

Dr. Manning talks about this study and others with the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter.

This study examines ways to empower women to complete HIV testing and will determine whether financial incentives promotes HIV testing. Participants can earn up to $210 for their time, which includes 4 interviews over 15 months. All participants will also receive brief education from a trained counselor to encourage HIV testing, and some participants can earn an additional $120 for HIV testing. You may be eligible if you are a woman 18 years or older.

Principal Investigator: Kristyn Zajac, Ph.D.

Who to Contact: Ruth Fetter, 860-422-3210, fetter@uchc.edu.

Spanish speaking participants can contact Maria Ortiz, 959-202-1176, maortiz@uchc.edu.

IRB Number: 19-018-1

End date: May 2023

This study is to help people reduce drinking and could lead to better methods of treating substance abuse. Participants can earn $344 for their time, which consists of brief weekly visits with a research assistant for 3 months and 6 interviews over 12 months. The study also includes the submission of breath, urine, and finger-prick blood samples periodically throughout treatment and follow-up phases. You may qualify if you are in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for alcohol use.

Principal Investigator: Sheila Alessi, Ph.D.

Who to Contact: Amy Novotny, 860-989-7105, anovotny@uchc.edu

IRB Number: 19-146-2

End date: May 2024

Do you have concern over your thinking and memory? Would you like to participate in a study on cognitive fitness?

UConn Health study investigates effects of brain training treatment on thinking, memory, and mood. We are recruiting men and women over 60 who are currently being treated with antidepressants. We want to understand whether engaging in cognitively stimulating activities (e.g., brain games, watching educational videos, reading) can improve memory, thinking, and symptoms of depression in older adults.

Participation involves:

• Interviews and evaluations.
• Testing of thinking and memory.
• Optional MRI brain scans.
• No cost for participation.
• 32-40 hours of brain-training exercises over 4-6 weeks. Subjects will be randomly assigned to 1 of 2 cognitive fitness programs.
• All appointments and training exercises, except for optional MRIs, are completed remotely from your home.

Payment to participants includes $40 at completion of each of the two assessment visits and $40 at completion of each of two optional MRI visits for a total of up to $160 for the 14-month study.

To learn more about this study, call Dr. Manning at 860-679-2272.

Principal Investigator: Kevin Manning, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry

IRB Number: 21-046-2

Enrollment end date: August 1, 2023

The UConn Health Huntington’s Disease Program is participating in a study called Enroll-HD: A Prospective Registry Study in a Global Huntington’s Disease Cohort (Enroll-HD). Enroll-HD is a worldwide Huntington’s disease (HD) observational, multi-center study.

The primary objective of Enroll-HD is to improve the understanding of the disease mechanisms of HD by collecting data from families affected by HD in an effort to improve our understanding and treatment of the disease.

There are no potential therapies or invasive procedures in this study.

Any member of a family affected by HD can take part. This includes:

• Individuals who know they carry the expanded gene, whether they show signs and symptoms of the disease.
• Individuals who are at risk of developing the disease (but have not undergone genetic testing).
• Individuals who have a family history of HD but know they do not carry the expanded gene.
• Spouses/partners (not blood related) of family members with HD.

Children under the age of 18 with clinically diagnosed juvenile HD may be included in this study with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

Enroll HD is an open-ended study, which means it has no definite end time, but you can leave at any time you choose. You will attend one study visit each year.

For more information about this study, contact:

Robin Zingales-Browne, M.S.N., APRN
Study Coordinator
Huntington’s Disease Program
UConn Health
263 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06030

Phone: 860-679-4441
Fax: 860-679-1945

ARCS is a large study that seeks to understand how family conflict and other stressors affect the development and behavior of young children. ARCS will help us to identify ways that families and professionals can help to build resilience in young children who have experienced family conflict or violence.

We invite participation from mothers and their 4- to 6-year-old children. We are seeking mothers who have experienced partner conflict and mothers who have not experienced it. Mothers must be 18 years or older and be able to answer study questions in English.

This study involves a visit to our child-friendly laboratory. Mothers answer survey and interview questions and do activities with their children. Kids do computer and puzzle-like activities with one of our team members. In addition, kids “talk” with our puppets about their feelings and experiences. We also use safe, sticky sensors to see how kids react to different emotional facial expressions presented on a computer screen. (Don’t worry! We explain all about the sensors at the time of the visit – mothers decide about it once they see how it all works.)

There is plenty of time for breaks and snacks. The visit usually takes about 3 to 4 hours. Because kids usually finish before mothers do, we entertain them while they wait. Our lab is at 65 Kane Street in West Hartford. This is close to I-84 and bus routes. It is a building over from the Goldroc Diner.

Mothers can earn up to $250 in gift cards to Stop and Shop. Children receive several gifts and prizes, including a UConn Health Kid Scientist t-shirt and backpack, toys, and other prizes.

Travel support is available as needed. If visits occur during mealtime, we will help to coordinate so that you and your child can eat.

Want to find out more? Contact our research coordinator at 860-798-8790 or enrollment specialist Mayra Pino at 860-384-5102.

Want to know if you are eligible? Visit the ARCS U01 Screening Tool to answer our questions and find out if you are eligible in minutes!

End date: May 2024

CALM is a research study funded by the U.S. Department of Education. In the study, elementary school nurses are trained to help support students struggling with anxiety.

Currently, the CALM study is enrolling school nurses interested in training to support students and families with children who may benefit from learning skills to better manage anxiety. More detailed information is provided below, and please feel free to contact us to learn more.

Contact the CALM Team at 860-523-3788 or CALM@uchc.edu.

For Elementary School Nurses:
Enhancing the Capacity of School Nurses To Reduce Child Anxiety (CALM)

What is this study about?

This research study was funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences to compare two interventions to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve academic functioning in 5- to 12-year-old children. Both interventions are brief, evidence-based, and delivered by school nurses in 5 to 6 sessions of 20 to 30 minutes each.

Why should you volunteer for this study?

• Learn strategies to help students who are struggling with anxiety
• Receive free training and supervision
• Receive copies of the intervention manual and handouts to use with youth
• Receive financial compensation for completing study requirements (up to $225 in your first year)

What will you be asked to do?

• Attend one-day virtual training (usually during the weekend or after school)
• Recruit students with excessive anxiety from your school
• Deliver the brief intervention to students (5 to 6 meetings)
• Receive supervision/consultation from the CALM Team (virtual)
• Complete study questionnaires

Here’s what school nurses said about CALM:

"To all, it’s been a pleasure and privilege to be part of this project. Thank you."

"Thank you so much for this invaluable experience. I am a better practitioner because of it."

"The handouts are phenomenal, and the clinical supervision was wonderful."

100% of participating nurses said they would recommend the CALM program.

Want to find out more? Contact the CALM Team at 860-523-3788 or CALM@uchc.edu.

Principal Investigator: Golda Ginsburg, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry

IRB Number: 21-037-2

Funded By: U.S. Department of Education

End date: May 2025

For Families of Children Ages 5 to 12 Who May Be Experiencing Anxiety

• Is your child very nervous, anxious, or shy?
• Does your child seem afraid, worried, or stressed?
• Your school nurse may be able to help.

What is the goal of this study?

The aim of this research study is to compare two versions of a brief nurse-administered intervention called Children’s Anxiety Learning Modules (CALM) to reduce anxiety and improve academic functioning. The research is being conducted in U.S. schools. There is no medication involved in this study.

Who is eligible?

Children ages 5 to 12 years old whose worry or anxiety makes life hard for them.

What is involved in participating in this study?

• You and your child will meet with study staff virtually or in person for a free evaluation to see if this study is right for your child.
• If eligible, you will randomly be assigned to receive 1 of 2 free interventions for anxiety from the school nurse. Interventions include 5 to 6 brief (20 to 30 minutes) student-nurse sessions to learn effective coping skills (1 in 5 students will wait 8 weeks before starting the intervention).
• You and your child will meet with study staff 2 more times after the intervention so we can see if your child’s anxiety has improved.
• Families may earn up to $140 in gift cards for participating.

Want to find out more? Contact the CALM Team at 860-523-3788 or CALM@uchc.edu.

Principal Investigator: Golda Ginsburg, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry

IRB Number: 21-037-2

Funded By: U.S. Department of Education

End date: May 2025

Is your child very worried, anxious, or stressed about the transition to middle school?

A new program called TEAMSS (Transitioning Emotionally and Academically to Middle School Successfully) may be able to help.

What is TEAMSS?

TEAMSS is a research study designed to develop and assess a multi-component intervention to reduce anxiety and improve academic functioning through the transition to middle school. There is no medication involved in this study.

Who is eligible?

Students in their last year of elementary school who will be transitioning to middle school and whose worry/anxiety makes life harder for them.

What is involved in participating in this study?

• Parents and children will meet with study staff virtually or in person for a free evaluation to see if this study is right for your child.
• If eligible, your child will meet with their middle school clinician for a school tour in their last year of elementary school. They will also receive written material on tips for a successful transition to middle school. At the start of middle school, students will meet in a group (with other students (about 6-7 times over 10 weeks) virtually or at their school.
• School clinicians will host two parent group meeting and will consult with your child’s teacher about how to lower anxiety and succeed in a smooth transition to middles school.
• You and your child will complete a total of 4 assessments (virtually or in person based on your preference with study staff) before and after the intervention.
• Your participation in the study will be approximately 12 months.

Are there benefits or compensation?

• We do not know if your child will benefit from being in this study, but your child may learn new ways to cope with life’s stressors and feel less scared and worried.
• You and your child can receive up to $70 in gift cards for your participation for completing all 4 study evaluations.

For more information, contact the TEAMSS study team at 860-523-6441 or TEAMSS@uchc.edu.

Principal Investigator: Golda Ginsburg, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry

IRB Number: 22-114OS-1

Funded by: U.S. Department of Education

UConn Health investigates emotional control in healthy aging and depression.

In this study we are using brain imaging to look for brain changes related to happiness in older adults and other changes that might predict worsening in depression over two years.

Recruiting adults 45 to 75 years old who:

• Have no history of depression

or

• Are in remission from a depressive disorder

Participation involves:

• 4 to 8 study appointments.
• Interviews and evaluations.
• Testing of thinking and memory.
• One-time MRI brain scan at UConn Health
• No cost for participation.
• All study appointments, except the MRI, can be done remotely

Payment to participants includes $100 at completion of the baseline assessments and $50 at completion of each of the follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months for a total of up to $200 for the 1-year study.

Principal Investigator: Lihong Wang, M.D., Department of Psychiatry

To learn more about the study, contact Dr. Wang at 860-679-7881 or lwang@uchc.edu.

IRB Number: 20-122-1

Recruitment closing date: June 2023

Dr. Manning talks about this study and others with the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter.

This study seeks to understand cognitive and brain changes related to apathy (loss of interest and motivation) in early Alzheimer’s disease versus depression.

Recruiting men and women ages 65 to 85 who have:

• Early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment

or

• Depression

Participation involves:

• 4 to 7 appointments at UConn Health.
• One-time blood draw.
• Interviews and evaluations.
• Testing of thinking and memory.
• One-time MRI brain scan.
• No cost for participation.
• During COVID-19, most appointments can be done remotely

Payment to participants includes $100 at completion of the baseline assessment, $100 at completion of the 12-month assessments, and $75 at completion of the 24-month assessments for a total of up to $285 for the 2-year study.

To learn more about the study, contact Darlene Winkelman at 860-679-8935 or winkelman@uchc.edu or Suzanne Crumb at 860-679-8497 or crumb@uchc.edu.

Principal Investigator: David Steffens, M.D., Department of Psychiatry

IRB Number: 19-214-1

Enrollment end date: August 1, 2022

Dr. Manning talks about this study and others with the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter.

Do you have concern over your thinking and memory? Would you like to participate in a study on cognitive fitness?

UConn Health study investigates effects of brain training treatment on thinking, memory, and mood. We are recruiting men and women over 60 who are currently being treated with antidepressants. We want to understand whether engaging in cognitively stimulating activities (e.g., brain games, watching educational videos, reading) can improve memory, thinking, and symptoms of depression in older adults.

Participation involves:

• Interviews and evaluations.
• Testing of thinking and memory.
• Optional MRI brain scans.
• No cost for participation.
• 32-40 hours of brain-training exercises over 4-6 weeks. Subjects will be randomly assigned to 1 of 2 cognitive fitness programs.
• All appointments and training exercises, except for optional MRIs, are completed remotely from your home.

Payment to participants includes $40 at completion of each of the two assessment visits and $40 at completion of each of two optional MRI visits for a total of up to $160 for the 14-month study.

To learn more about this study, call Dr. Manning at 860-679-2272.

Principal Investigator: Kevin Manning, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry

IRB Number: 21-046-2

Enrollment end date: August 1, 2023

Dr. Manning talks about this study and others with the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter.

Are you feeling sad or blue? Are you experiencing a loss of interest in activities or people you once enjoyed?

We are recruiting adults 60 years or older who are experiencing symptoms of depression to investigate the effects of stress on mood, cognition, and response to treatment of depression in older adults.

During this 3-5 year research study, participation will involve:

• A one-time blood test that will include genetic studies
• 2 MRI brain scans
• Annual interviews and memory testing
• Regular appointments with a geriatric psychiatrist who will offer free treatment with FDA-approved antidepressants*

*If antidepressants provided through the study are not effective for a participant, the psychiatrist can prescribe others that will be filled by the participant’s insurance.

All study-related tests and appointments are provided at no cost to participants.

Most appointments can be done remotely.

Participants may receive payments of $100 after completion of all baseline procedures (screening, baseline interviews/assessments, and MRI), and $100 for each annual visit completed, for a total of $300 to $500 over the course of the study.

For more information and to answer any questions, please contact Judy Anderson, clinical research assistant, at 860-679-7571 or judanderson@uchc.edu.

Principal Investigator: David Steffens, M.D., Department of Psychiatry

IRB Number: 13-048-6

Enrollment end date: September 1, 2024