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For clinical appointments or further information, please call us at (650) 736-2182 or email scnwh@stanford.edu |
Clinical trials and observational studies in our Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Program are focused on the most salient issues affecting women across their reproductive years. These include prenatal and postnatal aspects of psychiatric disorders, reproductive function in women with mood disorders, and interactions between reproductive hormones and brain function across the lifespan. We actively collaborate with faculty in other departments within Stanford University, including Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endocrinology, and Neurology, with the goal of improving the understanding and treatment of conditions related to the reproductive cycle.
We are currently enrolling participants in the following studies:
Reproductive Endocrine Function and Mood in Women with Bipolar Disorder
We are currently studying mood over the menstrual cycle and hormones in women with bipolar disorder. Study participants chart their mood daily using special software and undergo 4 blood tests to evaluate reproductive hormones and track ovulation. In addition, participants undergo an oral glucose tolerance test to assess glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity—known factors in adult-onset diabetes. This research aims to develop better bipolar disorder treatment strategies, particularly for women. Women between the ages of 18 and 40 who are currently receiving treatment for diagnosed bipolar disorder are invited to participate. In addition, we are seeking healthy women between the ages of 18-40 who are not currently on oral contraceptives to be controls in our study. All participants will receive up to $150 for their involvement and a free evaluation of their reproductive function. For more information, call or email Pascale at (650) 725-2528 / pascale@stanford.edu.
Lamotrigine in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder in Women of Reproductive Age
We are looking for women, ages 18-45, with diagnosed bipolar disorder who are about to begin treatment with lamotrigine. This study aims to investigate the impact of lamotrigine treatment on reproductive hormones and metabolic measures such as cholesterol in the blood, over a six-month period. Free open-label lamotrigine is available through the study. Participants use software to monitor their mood for three months and undergo two blood draws: one before the start of their treatment with lamotrigine and another six months after the start of treatment. Participants are compensated $50 for their involvement. For more information, call or email Pascale at (650) 725-2528 / pascale@stanford.edu.
Estrogen Use in Protection from Cognitive Decline
We are currently studying the effects of estrogen therapy on memory and cognition among postmenopausal women at risk for cognitive decline. Study participants, who must currently be taking estrogen, undergo assessments of brain function including a neurological exam, PET and MRI brain scans, neuropsychological testing, and blood work, and then are randomized either to continue or discontinue their hormone therapy. They are followed over a two-year period, with brief testing and lab work repeated every three months. At the end of the two years, reassessment of brain function is conducted using the same measures as at baseline. For this study we are looking to recruit women between the ages of 50 and 65 who are currently on hormone therapy and who have at least one known risk factor for cognitive decline, such as a personal or family history of mood disorder, hypothyroidism, diabetes, family history of Alzheimer’s disease, or the APOE4 allele, which is a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Participants are compensated for their time, and all study evaluations are free of charge. For more information, call or email Toni at (650) 724-9269 / twroolie@stanford.edu.
Insulin Resistance in Patients with Mood Disorders
Insulin resistance is known to be associated with mood disorders and cognitive difficulties. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential mood and cognitive effects of the insulin-sensitizing medication rosiglitazone (Avandia). We are recruiting men and women who have been diagnosed with depression and who are willing to participate in this 3-month study. Participation involves pre- and post-treatment neuropsychological testing, pre- and post-treatment oral glucose tolerance tests, and treatment with rosiglitazone. Participants are allowed to continue on any current medications. For more information, please call or email Bevin at (650) 723-7845 / bnpowers@stanford.edu.
Treatment-Associated Changes in Insulin Sensitivity and Blood Lipids with Adjunctive Ziprasidone in Overweight and Obese Patients with Bipolar Disorder
We are looking for overweight and obese men and women initiating adjunctive ziprasidone treatment for bipolar disorder. Participants undergo oral glucose tolerance tests at baseline and at the end of 3-months of ziprasidone treatment. Participants are compensated up to $100 for their involvement. For more information, please call or email Ellie at (650) 724-9075 / ekaplow@stanford.edu.
Collaborators at Stanford University
Other Collaborators
Michael Bauer, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
Elissa Epel, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco
Margaret Gatz, Ph.D., Department of Psychologica, University of Southern California
Nancy Pederson, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
Daniel Silverman, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles
Owen Wolkowitz, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco
