Research Studies for Pregnant Women
Early Brain Development in Children of Women with Depressive Disorders
For pregnant women on SSRI's throughout pregnancy. Infant receives an MRI and Developmental Assessment 2-4 weeks after birth (MRI brain scans involve no sedation, radiation, or contrast). Children may be invited back for follow-up MRI and developmental assessments at 1 and 2 years of age. Participants receive $50 at each visit (potential total: $300) as well as compensation for travel. For more information contact Rebecca at (919) 966-2216 (rebecca_knickmeyer@med.unc.edu).
Early Brain Development in Babies of Mothers with Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, or Schizophrenia
Pregnant women with one of the above diagnoses can join this study. Women will receive ultrasounds at 22 and 32 weeks gestation, an MRI of their infant’s brain 2 weeks after birth and follow-up child developmental assessments and MRI's at 1, 2, 4 and 6 years of age (MRI brain scans involve no sedation, radiation or contrast). Participants receive $50 for each visit (potential total: $550) as well as travel and parking expenses. Transportation to UNC can be provided. For more information contact Dianne Evans at (919) 843-2389 or 866-849-0541 (ddevans@med.unc.edu).
Research Studies for Postpartum Women
0 – 12 months postpartum
TMS and Postpartum Depression
We are looking for women who are interested in treating their postpartum depression with a non-medication treatment called Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). TMS is an effective, safe, non-invasive alternative treatment to medications for people with Major Depression. TMS is an FDA approved treatment for people suffering with depression, and the American Psychiatric Association has recently recommended TMS as a treatment modality for depression. TMS has not yet been studied extensively in women with postpartum depression, although one small study documented a benefit. Check out this interview with Dr. Susan Killenberg to learn more about how TMS works.
To participate in this research study, you must be between the ages of 18-45, have given birth to a single, healthy child within the past 12 months, be diagnosed with depression, and not be taking an antidepressant medication. The research study involves an intake assessment and treatment phase (daily TMS treatment visits for 4 weeks). For more information contact Brenda at (919) 843-8084 (bpearson@med.unc.edu).
2 – 4 weeks and 3 months postpartum
Mother Baby Study
Maternal Cocaine Use During Pregnancy
Help us learn more about the effects of cocaine use during pregnancy and relationships between mother and baby. Brain Imaging (MRI) of sleeping infant’s brain at 2 to 4 weeks old (maximum 30 minutes, with no sedation). Interview and questionnaires for mother. One 3-hour lab visit for mother alone. One 3-hour lab visit for mother and baby at 3 months old. Mother will have blood pressure and heart activity measured and will have blood, urine and saliva samples taken. Baby will have saliva samples taken and a diaper insert will be used to collect baby urine. For completion of brain imaging, lab visits and 1 day of monitoring mother’s blood pressure at home, payment will be up to $300 as well as free parking. For more information contact Mala at: (919) 966-2549 (mala_elam@med.unc.edu).
12-24 months postpartum
Stress reactivity in Postpartum Women
For mothers 12-24 months postpartum who have normal menstrual cycles, are not taking medications or oral contraceptives, and are no longer breastfeeding. This study involves 3-4 visits to UNC. Participants receive $150 compensation and parking reimbursement. For more information contact Brenda at (919) 843-8084 (bpearson@med.unc.edu).
