Research Volunteers Needed

ADHD | Addictions | Alcohol | Anorexia | Autism | Brain Stimulation | Dieting| Eating Disorders | Healthy Volunteers | HIVMemory Disorders | Mood Disorders | Obesity | Pain | Parkinson's Disease | Psychosis and Schizophrenia | Substance Abuse - Addictions | Traumatic Brain Injury

Studies with children and adolescent research participants »  

Notice to researchers


Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Needed for Cannabidiol (CBD) Research

People 18 years or older with ASD and who have a significant mood disorder or other behaviors that interfere with function and quality of life are needed to take part in a Johns Hopkins research study. The study will last 14 weeks total, during which six weeks participants will receive a pill containing CBD, one to two weeks where participants will receive no drug/placebo, and six weeks where participants will receive the placebo, an inactive pill. As part of the study, participants will have regular visits and be asked questions about anxiety, challenging behaviors, daily functioning, cognition, and physical symptoms, on standard assessments that are not usually asked in routine clinical care. Call 410-575-3267 for details. Principal Investigator: Elizabeth Wise, MD (IRB00267739)


ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Adult ADD/ADHD
Men and women who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD are needed for a 2-day outpatient study at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. Volunteers with ADHD who have used medications for the treatment of ADHD and those who have never used medications for the treatment of ADHD are needed. Volunteers should be between the ages of 18 and 40 and in general good health. Testing will take place at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Bayview Medical Center. Study participants will receive compensation, and travel expenses will be covered. Earn up to $300 plus travel expenses. For more information, call 410-550-2588 or 410-550-5295 or email [email protected]. Collect calls are accepted. Principal Investigator: Una D. McCann, MD (IRB Number: NA_0073552)

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Alcohol

Related studies:

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Anorexia

Anorexia Nervosa Study
Adults ages 18-65 who have been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa are needed for a research study investigating the effects of psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychoactive substance found in certain species of mushrooms. The study will investigate psychological effects of psilocybin, including whether or not it can help with anorexia. Confidentiality will be maintained for all applicants and participants, and there is no cost to participate. To apply to participate in this study, please visit www.hopkinspsychedelic.org/anorexia or contact us at [email protected] or 410-550-2253. Principal Investigator: Roland Griffiths, PhD. Protocol: IRB00182516

Anorexia Nervosa Medication Placebo-Controlled Trial
Johns Hopkins researchers are conducting a placebo-controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of a research medication in the treatment of adults with anorexia nervosa. Participants will be offered 16 weeks of medication (active or inactive) and weekly outpatient medical monitoring by a psychiatrist. The treatment will be provided at no cost. To participate, you must have anorexia nervosa, be 18-55 years old, be medically stable for outpatient treatment, complete assessments (interviews, questionnaires and medical evaluations) at intervals throughout the 16-week study and at 1- and 2-month follow-ups. Information gathered will remain confidential. Call (410) 955-3863 for more information (NA_00040741) Site Principal Investigator: Angela S. Guarda, M.D. Click here for flyer.

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Brain Stimulation

Reducing Cancer-related Fatigue and Improving Cognition with Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation
We are investigating whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve fatigue and thinking skills in breast cancer survivors. Participants are needed to come in for 5 consecutive weekdays to complete questionnaires and perform memory tasks while receiving very weak electrical stimulation to the surface of the scalp. Each participant will return to the lab 4 weeks later to repeat the procedures for another 5 consecutive weekdays. Principal Investigator:  Tracy Vannorsdall (IRB00110211)

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Dieting

Healthy women dieters
Are you a dieter? Do you limit your fat intake? Healthy female dieters age 18-55 with BMI 18.5-24.9 are needed to take part in a research study at Johns Hopkins. Participants will be paid up to $200 for study completion. Study involves two visits to Johns Hopkins Hospital and includes a behavioral and fMRI assessment, one blood draw and questionnaires. Call (410) 955-3863 or email [email protected] for information. PI: Angela Guarda, MD (#IRB00150857)


Eating Disorders

Related studies:

  • Anorexia
  • Brain and Appetite Research Studies

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HIV and associated cognitive impairment

Researchers are seeking virally-suppressed people with HIV for brain imaging research

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Hospital are seeking volunteers to participate in a brain imaging research study.

  • Are you between the ages of 30-80 years old?
  • Have you been diagnosed with HIV and achieved viral suppression through taking antiretroviral medication?
  • Are you without history of psychosis?
  • Are you without history of recreational substance abuse in the past six months?

If you answered yes to the above questions, you may be eligible to participate. Those who complete the study will receive up to a cash payment of $300 For more details, call (443)-287- 4701 or email [email protected]. Application No. IRB00259945, Principal Investigator: Jennifer Coughlin M.D. 

Researchers are seeking individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) for brain imaging research

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Hospital are seeking volunteers to participate in a brain imaging research study.

  • Are you between the ages of 30-65 years old?
  • Have you been diagnosed with HIV?
  • Are you a non-smoker?

If you answered yes to the above questions, you may be eligible to participate. Those who complete the study will receive up to a cash payment of $350.00. For more details, please contact Dr. Jennifer Coughlin by phone (443-287-4701), or by email ([email protected]). Application No. IRB00243522, Principal Investigator: Yong Du, Ph.D.


Memory Disorders

Phase II Trial of CORT108297 to Attenuate the Effects of Acute Stress in the Allocortex (CORT-X)

We are doing this study to better understand the link between stress and memory problems. When individuals are in stressful situations, their bodies make “stress” hormones that can have negative effects on brain areas that control memory. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease have higher levels of stress hormones than individuals without this disease. 

In this study, we are testing the effects of a new drug, called CORT108297, which was developed to block stress hormones from attaching to brain areas related to memory. Our goal is to determine whether this drug is effective in improving memory in individuals with memory impairment and/or in those who have no memory impairment but are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. 

This study will involve 6 in-person visits over 10 weeks at the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus. Participants with mild cognitive impairment or who have risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, and who are at least 55 years old, can participate. To hear more information regarding this study, please call us at (410) 550-2036 or email study coordinator Nick Bienko at [email protected]. Principal investigator: Cynthia A. Munro, Ph.D. (IRB00227116).

Psilocybin is being studied as a potential aid for Depression in Early Alzheimer's Disease

Have you recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease? Are you feeling depressed? Sign up to participate in a research study examining a unique approach to depression in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or early Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are studying psilocybin – a psychoactive substance found in certain kinds of mushrooms – to see whether it can help people with depression and Alzheimer’s Disease when administered in a safe and supportive setting. Volunteers will additionally receive free counseling.

To find out more about this study, call 410-550-5466. Download Flyer. Principal Investigators: Albert Garcia-Romeu, Ph.D. & Paul B. Rosenberg, M.D., Protocol: IRB00175915

Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Needed for Brain Imaging Research Study

Researchers are seeking individuals to participate in brain imaging research to look at the brain in diseases.

You may be eligible if you:

  • Have been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment
  • (MCI)
  • Are 65-80 years old
  • Are a non-smoker

Qualified participants will have one PET scan and one MRI scan of their head. Those completing the research study will receive a payment of up to $400. For more information, please call Dr. Jennifer Coughlin at 410-746-6072 or email [email protected]. Principal Investigator: Martin Pomper, M.D., Ph.D. Application #: IRB00222626

Pilot Study of 5-HT2A Agonist Psilocybin for Depression in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Have you recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease? Are you feeling depressed? Sign up to participate in a research study examining a unique approach to depression in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or early Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are studying psilocybin – a psychoactive substance found in certain kinds of mushrooms – to see whether it can help people with depression and Alzheimer’s Disease when administered in a safe and supportive setting. Volunteers will additionally receive free counseling. To find out more about this study, visit our website: HopkinsPsychedelic.org/Alzheimers or call 410-550-1972. Principal Investigators: Albert Garcia-Romeu, Ph.D. and Paul B. Rosenberg, M.D., Protocol: IRB00175915

Phase III Clinical Trial to treat Mild Cognitive Impairment (HOPE4MCI)
Johns Hopkins is conducting an FDA registered clinical trial to treat mild cognitive impairment, a condition that increases risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Older adults who have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, or are experiencing symptoms such as forgetfulness, getting lost or often misplacing items, may be eligible to participate in this research study. Must be between 55 and 85 years of age. Three screening visits to qualify for participation consisting of a medical assessment with PET and MRI scans to image your brain. Eligible participants will take either the study drug or a placebo once daily for 18 months. Participants will be compensated for their time. Contact the study team at 410-502-4797 or email [email protected] for more information. Principal Investigator: Dr. Marilyn Albert. IRB Protocol IRB000101152. Download flyer.

Hippocampal and parietal network changes among subjects in the early phases of AD and relationship with CSF biomarkers
We are recruiting volunteers who are experiencing memory problems. If you or someone that you know are experiencing symptoms such as forgetfulness, getting lost or often misplacing items or have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, you may be eligible to participate in this study. Three sessions up to 8 hours total. Must be between 55 and 90 years of age, right handed, and native English speaking. You will be compensated for your participation. Located at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in East Baltimore. Contact Carrie Speck at 410-955-5057 or email [email protected] for more information. Principal Investigator: Dr. Arnold Bakker. eIRB Protocol IRB00055187

Neural Network Connectivity of Financial Capacity in Mild Cognitive Impairment (The NCFC Study)
Managing money and personal finances are daily activities for most people. Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) may have difficulty managing their money and making financial decisions. This may lead to poor outcomes, including increase in conflict within families, financial victimization, and the onset of dementia. Researchers in the Neural Network Connectivity of Financial Capacity Study want to learn more about how brain changes affect financial skills through the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Individuals with or without MCI greater than 65 years old may be eligible. Participants in the NCFC study will be asked to attend 1 clinic visit at Johns Hopkins at Bayview for neurocognitive testing and 1 visit at the Kennedy Krieger Institute in East Baltimore for a state-of-the-art MRI of the brain. If you are interested in learning more about this trial, please contact John Outen at 410-550-7385 or [email protected]. Principal Investigator: Milap Nowrangi, M.D. (JHU protocol number IRB00129816). Download flyer.

Circadian Rhythm Disturbance in Agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease (The Actigraphy in Agitation Study)
Agitation in Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging for affected individuals and the people who care for them. Some researchers think that agitation in Alzheimer’s disease may be caused by changes in a person’s normal sleep cycle. Individuals with these changes may become more likely to become restless, wander and pace, resist help with daily activities, or become hard to handle at certain times in the day. The goal of the Actigraphy in Agitation study is to learn more about changes in sleep patterns that occur in people with Alzheimer’s disease. The Actigraphy in Agitation study is looking for people who have Alzheimer’s disease with or without symptoms of agitation including pacing, resisting care, and restlessness. Participants in the Actigraphy in Agitation study will be asked to attend 1 clinic visit at Johns Hopkins at Bayview, wear a device the size of a wrist watch on their wrist for 7 days and use two devices to help researchers learn about their sleep patterns. The study team will provide all of the required equipment at no cost. If you are interested in learning more about this trial, please contact John Outen at 410-550-7385 or [email protected]. Principal Investigator: Paul Rosenberg, M.D. (JHU protocol number IRB00151016). Download flyer.

Problem Adaptation Therapy for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Depression (PATH-MCI)
Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Center is looking for volunteers to participate in a research study, called PATH-MCI, which is testing if psychotherapy intervention (also known as talk therapy) is effective in helping individuals with mild memory problems and depression symptoms with their cognition, mood, and function. If you are between the ages of 60-85 years old, diagnosed with mild memory problems and experience depression symptoms, you may be eligible for PATH-MCI. For more information or to see if you qualify, contact us at (410) 550-9022 or [email protected] (Principal Investigator: Paul Rosenberg, MD; Protocol number: IRB00063914)

Escitalopram for Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease (S-CitAD)
Agitation is common in people who have Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and can be can be a challenging behavior for the family and friends of these individuals. Agitation affects 42-60 percent of people with Alzheimer’s Disease, and involves emotional distress, excess psychomotor activity, aggression, or disinhibition. Treatment options for agitation in AD are limited. Current approaches are inadequate and better approaches are needed. S-CitAD is a placebo-controlled, masked, randomized clinical trial, sponsored by the National Institute on Aging (NIA). The study is designed to examine the efficacy and safety of escitalopram in combination with a psychosocial intervention (PSI) as treatment for agitation in AD patients. Individuals in the S-CitAD trial will be enrolled for 24-weeks, with treatment for 12 weeks, and additional 12 weeks of safety and efficacy follow-up, for a total of 6 clinic visits at Johns Hopkins University. If you are interested in learning more about this trial, call (410) 550-9022. Site Investigator: Paul Rosenberg, MD. (Principal Investigator: Constantine Lyketsos, MD; Protocol number: IRB00148995)

Apathy in Dementia Study (ADMET II Trial)
Apathy is one of the most prevalent neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.Up to 50% of people with dementia experience this loss of will and initiative, lack of interest in activities,lack of productivity, or lack of response to events in their life. The goal of the ADMET II study is to see ifmethylphenidate can help lessen the effects of apathy in Alzheimer’s disease. Also known as Ritalin, methylphenidate is approved for use in the treatment of attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder by the FDA, and previous trials have suggested it may be helpful in treating apathy in Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals in the ADMET II trial will be asked to take methylphenidate or placebo for 6 months and attend about 7 clinic visits at Johns Hopkins at Bayview. If you are interested in learning more about this trial, call 410-550-9022. Principal Investigator: Paul Rosenberg, M.D. (JHU protocol number IRB00064958)

BDPP Treatment for Mild Memory Loss and PrediabetesThe combination of memory problems and abnormal blood sugar has been shown to be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, and a nutraceutical (“health food”) is being investigated to target this problem. This trial is seeking individuals between the ages of 50-90 who are concerned that they may be experiencing memory loss. BDPP is a combination of resveratrol (a chemical found in the skin of grapes), grape seed extract, and Concord grape juice. Study investigators hope to learn if BDPP could help maintain memory or decrease the amount of abnormal proteins in the brain. Individuals in this study will be asked to take BDPP or placebo for 4 months and attend about 9 research visits to Johns Hopkins at Bayview. Glucose testing and a memory evaluation are provided as part of the trial. Please call 410-550-6486 for more information on how to enroll. Principal investigator: Paul Rosenberg, M.D. (IRB protocol number IRB00062802)

Dietary Study for Older Adults with Mild Memory Impairment
Older adults with mild memory impairment (especially those with early Alzheimer’s disease) are needed for a research study of dietary treatments. This is 12-week clinical trial of a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet vs. a low-fat diet high in fruits, vegetables and grains. Both diets are considered safe for most physically healthy older adults. All education, support, and vitamin supplements provided free of charge. You can stay on your existing medications. Your physician will be asked to agree to your participation. Johns Hopkins Medicine IRB # 00066092, Jason Brandt, Ph.D., Principal Investigator. For more information, please call Alison Buchholz, Ph.D. at 410-502-6352. Download flyer.

Alzheimer’s Disease/Brain Imaging Study
We are seeking participants for a brain imaging clinical research study. To join, you must be between 50-80 years of age, have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease, have a study partner who is willing and able to attend study visits and answer questions about you, and meet other study requirements that relate to your health. We will evaluate investigational brain imaging agents called radiotracers used for PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan imaging of the brain. We want to learn if one of these radiotracers might help test new medicines and gain a better understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease. If you are eligible, you will be compensated for your time and participation in the study. To find out more about this opportunity, please contact us at 410-955-0210.  Principal Investigator: Dean F. Wong, MD, PhD. (IRB Number _IRB00035115)

Mild Cognitive Impairment Study
Are you more forgetful lately? Do you have trouble with the names of people you’ve met recently? Do you get lost in new places? Do you have a greater tendency to misplace things? Do other people notice that you are forgetful? If you are age 55 or over, having memory problems, not taking antidepressant medication and in good health, you may be eligible to participate in a research study. Qualified people will participate at no cost to them and will be compensated for their time and transportation. For more information about the research study, please call us at 410-550-4192 or email us at [email protected]. (Principal Investigator: Gwenn Smith, PhD, IRB Protocol No: NA_00026190) Download flyer.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test for Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarker Development
The purpose of this research is to find if there is a relationship between a chemical in the blood, which may be related to memory problems, and the body’s hormonal response from the pancreas, gut, and fat tissue after an oral glucose tolerance test. People with and without memory problems may join this study. The study involves a memory screening test and an oral glucose tolerance test. The results of these tests will help us with our research study related to memory, aging, and hormones. If you are interested in learning more about this study please call Jane Pollutra 410-550-4258. Esther Oh, M.D., Principal Investigator (JHU IRB Application No.: NA_00014837)

Memory & Aging Study
The Johns Hopkins Memory Center is currently conducting a study of the differences between normal aging, mild memory problems, and the onset of memory disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease. If you choose to participate in the Memory and Aging Study, you and a study partner will be invited to our clinic for a 2-3 hour assessment including memory testing, physical exam, and blood samples. We will ask you and your study partner questions about your daily functioning. You will return to our clinic once a year for an annual physical exam and memory testing. People, 60 years old or older, with or without memory problems, can participate in this study. If you are interested in learning more about this study please call Emily Braverman at 410-550-9021. Constantine Lyketsos, MD, MHS,, Principal Investigator (JHU IRB Application No: NA_00045104)

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Mood Disorders

Would you like to be part of a global research project?
The Genomics of Electroconvulsive Therapy (GenECT) Study, funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and led by investigators at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, aims to identify genes that might make some people more likely to have severe depression when regular treatments don't help. We're also trying to find which treatments like ECT, rTMS, and ketamine work best for different people. We need people who've had these treatments for their depression to join our study. No travel or inpatient appointments are required; all participation in the study can be completed remotely. As a thank-you for participating, we will give you a $25 Visa or Starbucks gift card. If you're interested, you can get in touch with the Research Coordinators, Alexa Comfort ([email protected]) or Jason Hoskin ([email protected]). Download flyer.

Researchers are seeking individuals with diagnosis of treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder for brain imaging research

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Hospital are seeking volunteers to participate in a brain imaging research study.

  • Are you between the ages of 18-50 years old?
  • Have you been diagnosed with depression and have not benefitted from antidepressant treatment yet?
  • Are you a non-smoker?

If you answered yes to the above questions, you may be eligible to participate. Those who complete the study will receive up to a cash payment of $400.00. For more details, call (443)- 287-4701 or email [email protected]. Application No. IRB00270229, Principal Investigator: Yong Du, Ph.D. 

Bipolar Disorder study
Physician scientists in psychiatry and researchers are seeking adults who have diagnosis of Bipolar I or II to participate in a research study that looks for pathological mechanisms for the disorder. You will complete an over-the-phone interview to determine eligibility, and if qualified the study member will schedule a date for you to undergo a skin biopsy and blood draw. You will be compensated $200 once all study components are completed (interview, blood draw, biopsy). To learn more, please call Neal Prasad at 443-287-2981 or email at [email protected] (Principal Investigator: Akira Sawa, M.D., Ph.D., (IRB # NA_00037204)

Oxidative Stress and Mood Disorder Trajectories Research Study
This research study will involve 2 study visits over a period of 2 weeks consisting of a blood draw, a urine tox screen, psychiatric evaluations, answering questionnaires and undergoing a scan of your brain called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). People aged 35-84 years with and without mood disorders may participate. Principal Investigator: Fernando Goes, MD; IRB00104809. Download flyer

MHi-GO: Mobile Health App for Tracking Mood Disorders Pilot Study
We have developed a mobile phone app that allows us to help patients stay adherent to their treatments and to better track how they are doing clinically on these treatments so that we can provide more timely care that is responsive to the changing course of their illness.  We are currently conducting a pilot study of this mobile app to examine the feasibility and acceptability of using MHi-GO as part of routine care and to test whether its use improves medication adherence and course of illness. Principal Investigator: Peter Zandi, PhD, MPH, MHS; IRB00116741.

NNDC Mood Outcomes Program
Healthcare providers use many different questionnaires and tests to diagnose depression, bipolar disorder, and related conditions, but there is no one set of measurement tools used everywhere to take mood “vital signs” of a patient, as one might measure a patient’s temperature or blood pressure. The NNDC is taking the lead in developing such a set of measures which we hope will become the standard for tracking patient progress. For this program, patients at NNDC clinics will be asked to fill out questionnaires asking about mood symptoms to figure out the best way to follow patients over time. Principal Investigator: Peter Zandi, PhD, MPH, MHS; IRB00106105, NA_00040237. Download brochure

Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression Research Study
Are you pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant? If so, you may qualify for a research study to assess how mood disorders affect pregnant women. Pregnant women will be seen and evaluated during pregnancy as well as 1-2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postpartum. Volunteers will be compensated for their participation. For more information, please call (410) 502-3750 or e-mail [email protected]. Principal Investigator: Jennifer Payne, M.D. (Protocol Number: # IRB00027369) Download flyer

A Research Study to determine whether an investigational drug called vilazodone is safe and effective to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder in children and adolescents.
This is a research study that is being conducted by Dr. Robert Findling at Kennedy Krieger Institute to determine whether vilazodone, an SSRI antidepressant for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), is safe and effective for children and adolescents (ages 7 to 17 years). Eligible children and adolescents, with symptoms of MDD, will visit the Kennedy Krieger Institute for nine outpatient visits over a 10-week period; each outpatient visit will last about 3 hours. Participants will receive psychological, behavioral, and medical testing, including behavioral assessments, physical examinations, blood draws, vital signs, ECGs, urine drug screen, and pregnancy testing for females. There will be a reimbursement of $50.00 for each outpatient visit to compensate individuals for time and travel during participation in the research study. For more information about this research study, please contact Rebekah Teetsel at (443) 923-2637 or by email at [email protected]Research study Sponsor: Forest Research Institute, Inc. PI: Robert Findling, M.D., M.B.A. Johns Hopkins Medicine-IRB No. – IRB00054798. Download flyer

A Phase 3, Multicenter, Four-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Efficacy And Safety Trial Of Flexible Doses Of Oral Ziprasidone In Children And Adolescents With Bipolar I Disorder (Current Or Most Recent Episode Manic)
This research study is being conducted by centers across the United States to help determine if ziprasidone is a safe and effective treatment for symptoms associated with bipolar I disorder (with a current or most recent episode being manic). Kennedy Krieger Institute is looking for children with bipolar I disorder (with a current or most recent episode being manic), ages 10 through 17 years, to participate in this research study. The research study involves up to seven visits to Kennedy Krieger Institute over seven weeks, each lasting about four hours. There are no direct medical benefits for participating in this research study. For each completed visit, participants will receive reimbursement of $45.50 for their time and travel expenses.   Please ask a study team member for spe cifics. All testing is done free of charge. For more information about this research study, please contact the Study Coordinator at (443) 923-3850 or by email at[email protected] Research study Sponsor: Pfizer, Inc. PI: Robert Findling, M.D., M.B.A. IRB No. – NA_00093875 www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02075047)

Pharmacogenomics of Mood Stabilizer Response in Bipolar Disorder (PGBD)
We are looking for adults ages 18 and older who have bipolar disorder and are not pregnant.  Our purpose is to stabilize participants with bipolar disorder on lithium alone in order to learn which genes are associated with a good response to medication. The study lasts up to 2.5 years, and involves clinician assessments, questionnaires, routine lab work, and taking a blood sample for DNA.  You will be paid for participating in this research.  You will receive ongoing care during the course of the study from our study psychiatrist, Dr. Francis Mondimore, at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Mood Disorders Clinic.  Or, you can continue to receive your clinical care from your current psychiatrist in close consultation with Dr. Mondimore while you participate in the study.  For more information, please call 410-550-1652 or email [email protected].  Principal Investigator: Peter Zandi, PhD, MPH, MHS (IRB Protocol NA_00043300). Click here for PDF brochure.

Geriatric Depression Study
Are you over 60 and feeling depressed? Symptoms of depression in older adults are common yet often go undetected. Symptoms could include feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of energy, inability to enjoy pleasurable activities, changes in appetite or sleeping patterns, or poor concentration/memory. If you are feeling depressed, not taking antidepressant medication and in good physical health you may be eligible to participate in a research study involving treatment. Qualified people will participate at no cost to them and will be compensated for their time and transportation. For more information about the research study, please call us at 410-550-4192 or email us at [email protected] . Download PDF flyer. Principal Investigator:Gwenn Smith, PhD (IRB Protocol No: NA_00021615)

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Pain

Chronic Low Back Pain Volunteers Needed for a Sensory Testing Research Study (Effects of Sleep Disruption on Drug Response)
The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is seeking volunteers with Chronic Low Back Pain for a research study. This research study seeks to understand the effects of sleep deprivation on pain and responses to pain medication in people with chronic low back pain. You may be eligible if you: are between 21-60 years old, have been diagnosed with chronic low back pain, have taken an opioid pain medication at some point in your life (e.g. Oxycontin, Codeine, Morphine, Percocet, Vicodin, Dilaudid, etc), and are not currently taking an opioid pain medication. The study includes 4 visits. The first two visits are screening visits. Visit 1 will last 2-3 hours and Visit 2 will last 6 hours. Visits 3 and 4 will include several overnight stays at our clinical research unit (Visit 3 = 3 Nights, Visit 4 = 2 Nights). One night will involve experimental sleep deprivation. There will also be administration of FDA approved pain medication. You may earn up to $1200 for completing all study-related visits. There is no cost to you for any of the procedures. For more information, please call 410-550-9058, email [email protected]. PI: Patrick H. Finan, Ph.D., Protocol: IRB00160629. Download flyer.

Sleep and Pain in Sickle Cell Disease
We are looking for men and women that are at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) to participate in a research study. The purpose of this study is to learn more about how SCD impacts sleep and pain. Study procedures include (but are not limited to): questionnaires, sensory testing, brain imaging, and sleep interventions with a trained clinician. Volunteers are asked to participate in 8 in-person visits and two follow-ups which will be done online.  Participants will be paid up to $1,288 for completing all study procedures. For more information, please contact the Research Coordinator at 410-550-1217. Principal Investigator: Claudia Campbell, PhD (IRB0010060).

Knee Osteoarthritis
Do you have knee osteoarthritis? Researchers at Johns Hopkins are looking for volunteers to participate in a research study examining the effects of combining FDA-approved medications for reducing pain. To participate, you must be at least 45 years of age and have osteoarthritis in your knee. To see if you are eligible, you must complete one phone screen and one in-person screening visit. If you are eligible, the study involves 4 full-day sessions involving drug administration, sensory testing and cognitive testing. Compensation up to $1425. Please call today at 410.550.6240. Principal Investigator: Claudia Campbell, Ph.D.  IRB00125605. Download flyer

Investigational Pain Treatment Study for Volunteers Prescribed Buprenorphine/Suboxone®
Healthy volunteers prescribed buprenorphine/Suboxone at 12-16 milligrams per day are needed for an investigational pain treatment research study. Volunteers must not be using any other drugs, must have stable chronic pain, and be wiling to stay overnight on a research unit. Volunteers are compensated up to $675. Please call 410-550-9494.  Principal Investigator: Andrew Tompkins, M.D. (NA_00093537) Download Flyer

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Parkinson's Disease

Anxiety in Parkinson’s disease
We are recruiting volunteers to learn about non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s. One session up to 3 hours total. All individuals with Parkinson’s disease may be eligible to participate. Located at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in East Baltimore. Contact Kate Perepezko at 410-614-1242 or email [email protected] for more information. Principal Investigator: Dr. Gregory Pontone (eIRB Protocol NA_00092051) Download flyer

High-resolution neuroimaging in Parkinson’s disease
We are recruiting volunteers to learn about non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s. One session up to 3 hours total that consists of an MRI and some paper and pencil tests. All individuals with Parkinson’s disease and healthy controls who are native English speakers, right handed, and able to have an MRI may be eligible to participate. Located at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in East Baltimore. Contact Kate Perepezko at 410-614-1242 or email [email protected] for more information. Principal Investigator: Dr. Gregory Pontone (eIRB Protocol NA_00087276) Download flyer

Parkinson’s Disease Clinical Trial For People with Mild-Cognitive Impairments
Investigators at the Johns Hopkins Hospital seek volunteers with Parkinson’s disease, over 45-80 years old, for participation in a multi-site research study funded by EMD Serono, Inc. If you have difficulty with your memory, you may qualify for this study. Please call Melissa Gerstenhaber, R.N. at (410) 614-1242. Principal Investigator: Gregory Pontone, M.D.      (IRB# NA_00040875). Click here for PDF flyer.

Database for Future Research Studies
Investigators seek volunteers with Parkinson's disease and volunteers without neurological disease over age 21 who agree to be contacted for future research studies. This does not obligate you to participate in any study you many be contacted about. Please call Melissa Gerstenhaber, R.N. at (410) 614-1242. Gregory Pontone, M.D. is the principal investigator. (IRB Protocol # 98-05-08-06). Click here for a PDF flyer.

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Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Hospital are seeking volunteers to participate in a brain imaging

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Hospital are seeking volunteers to participate in a brain imaging research study.

  • Are you between the ages of 25-50 years old?
  • Have you been diagnosed with schizophrenia?
  • Are you without history of liver disease, or recreational substance dependence in the past three months?

If you answered yes to the above questions, you may be eligible to participate. Those who complete the study will receive up to a cash payment of $100. For more details, call (410) 502- 2407 or email [email protected]. Application No. IRB00282288, Principal Investigator: Peter B. Barker, D.Phil. 

Individuals with Recent Onset of a Psychotic Disorder are Needed for a Brain Imaging Research Study

Researchers are seeking individuals to participate in a brain imaging research to evaluate whether a protein receptor is low in the brains of individuals with psychotic symptoms. You may be eligible if you:

  • Have a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder with psychosis, and if you had first onset of psychotic symptoms within the past five years.
  • Are 18-35 years old

Qualified participants will have one PET scan and one MRI scan of the head. Those completing the research study will receive a payment of up to $400. For more information, please call Dr. Jennifer Coughlin at 443-287-4701 or email [email protected] Principal Investigator: Martin Pomper, M.D., Ph.D. Application #: IRB00184745

First Episode Psychosis: Longitudinal Characterization of Molecular Biomarker Changes Over the Early Course of Psychotic Disease
Researchers are seeking individuals diagnosed with a psychotic disorder to participate in a research study being done to study the cells of patients with psychotic disorders. Your participation may help improve the treatment of psychotic disorders for patients like you. This study is a longitudinal study over the course of three years (only a few visits required per year): you can earn up to $1740. To be eligible for this study, you must be between 13-35 years of age with a psychotic disorder diagnosis – this may include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and mood disorders. Qualified participants have the option of undergoing: blood draw, skin biopsy, nasal biopsy, lumbar puncture, and two sessions of brain scanning with MRI technology. To learn more, please call Maeve Schumacher at 410-502-2643 or email at [email protected] (NA_00082086, Principal Investigator: Akira Sawa, M.D.)

Cell and MRI Study of Patients with Schizophrenia
Do you have Schizophrenia? Are you between 18-65 years of age? You may be the perfect candidate for our study! Researchers are seeking individuals diagnosed with Schizophrenia to participate in a research study being done to study the cells of patients with schizophrenia. The study takes place over the course of two weeks, during which you can earn a compensation of up to $500! Qualified participants will have the option of undergoing neuropsychological testing with a study team member, a blood draw, a nasal biopsy, and three sessions of brain scanning using MRI technology. To learn more, please call Haydn Loudd at 410-502-2643 or email at [email protected] (Principal Investigator: Akira Sawa, M.D. (IRB # NA_00037204)

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Substance Abuse/Addictions

Cigarette Smokers Needed
Adult cigarette smokers age 18-65 years old are needed to take part in a research study at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center.
We are seeking current cigarette smokers who are thinking about quitting. Participants will be paid up to $615 for study completion. The study involves taking cannabidiol (CBD) in different doses over the course of 6 weeks while completing brief practice quit attempts. There is also a separate 2-3 hour screening visit to determine eligibility. Call (410) 550-5143 or https://jhmi.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0qAxNqYJKK8zOMm for details.
Principal Investigator: Dustin Lee, PhD IRB00170600

Examining pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics of “tobacco-free” oral nicotine pouches
Dr. Tory Spindle and colleagues at the Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit are recruiting healthy adults at least 21 years old to take part in a Johns Hopkins research study. We are seeking people who currently smoke cigarettes and are not seeking treatment to quit smoking. The study will require 8 total visits to the lab (located at the Bayview Medical Center). Participants will first complete an in-person screening session (lasting about 2 hours) to determine study eligibility. Participants who are eligible and agree to be in the study will use nicotine pouches of different nicotine strengths and flavors as well as cigarettes in 7 different lab sessions that will each last about 5 hours. Study completers can earn up to $1,030. To see if you may be eligible, click here: https://jhmi.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_efBqv2b4uwNaKlo Or call: (410) 550-0050Download flyer. Principal Investigator: Tory Spindle, Ph.D. IRB00318560

Struggling With Addiction? Cocaine and Heroin Users needed for Research Study
If you have a history of cocaine and heroin use you may qualify for a 30-week research study. You must be interested in methadone treatment, or already enrolled in methadone treatment to be eligible. You can earn up to $900 for study participation. Scheduling is flexible, screening is confidential, and you will be compensated for your time. For more information, please call 410-336-7762. Principal Investigator: Kelly Dunn, Ph.D. (Protocol # NA_00090062). Download flyer.

Quit Smoking Research Study: TRIUMPH Trial
This NIMH-funded research study will test whether taking part in a quit smoking,weight management and exercise program at mental health programs can help people quit smoking and also manage their weight and improve physical fitness. We are looking for adults 18 years in older who are patients at one of Johns Hopkins Bavyiew’s Community Psychiatry programs, currently smoking cigarettes and interested in learning about quitting. If you are interested in learning more, please call (410) 509-5320 or email [email protected]. Principal Investigator: Gail L.Daumit, MD, MHS. (IRB00072510). Download flyer.

Help Us Learn Why Drugs Affect People Differently
Are you over 21 years old, healthy and willing to live at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center for five days? Researchers at Johns Hopkins are conducting a research study to learn more about how drugs affect people differently. If you qualify, you will be compensated for your time (up to $750). Call 410-550-9799 to learn whether or not you are eligible. See if you qualify here. Principal Investigator:Kelly Dunn, Ph.D. (NA_00047423)

Cigarette Smokers Wanting to Quit
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is seeking cigarette smokers who would like to quit smoking for participation in a scientific research study. The study involves free counseling and treatment provided in a comfortable, supportive setting. Transdermal nicotine patches, an FDA approved smoking cessation treatment, may be provided in the study. Cognitive behavior therapy and ongoing interpersonal support will be provided in order to help volunteers quit smoking. Questionnaires, interviews, MRI scans, and biological measures of smoking will be used to assess the treatment’s effects on mood, and smoking. Volunteers must be right handed, must be between the ages of 21 and 65, and must live within travel distance of the Hopkins Bayview campus in Baltimore. If you would like to discuss the possibility of volunteering, please call 410–550–1972 and ask for Albert, the study’s research coordinator or go to www.smoking-insight.org­. Confidentiality will be maintained for all applicants and participants. Principal Investigator: Matthew W. Johnson, Ph.D.., (Protocol: NA_00016166)

Investigational Pain Treatment Study for Volunteers Prescribed Buprenorphine/Suboxone®
Healthy volunteers prescribed buprenorphine/Suboxone at 12-16 milligrams per day are needed for an investigational pain treatment research study. Volunteers must not be using any other drugs, must have stable chronic pain, and be wiling to stay overnight on a research unit. Volunteers are compensated up to $675. Please call 410-550-9494.  Principal Investigator: Andrew Tompkins, M.D. (NA_00093537) Download Flyer

Effects of Oral Cocaine on Decision Making
Healthy men and women ages 18-45 who have used cocaine are needed to participate in a research study about effects of oral cocaine on decision making at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. This is not a treatment study. This study requires one 3-4 hour screening visit & 3 sessions lasting about 4 hours each. Earn up to $250 for completing the entire study. For more information please call 410-550-1465. Principal Investigator: Matthew W. Johnson, Ph.D.. Application # NA_00074996 Download flyer

Do You Smoke?
A NIH-funded research project is being done to learn more about how nicotine and the medication Varenicline affect the brain and behavior. Varenicline is FDA-approved for smoking cessation treatment and marketed as Chantix, a drug used to help people quit smoking. We also want to learn more about the genetic and environmental risk factors for nicotine addiction. The study requires three visits, one of which includes staying on the research unit at Johns Hopkins Hospital for six nights. Compensation up to $695 will be provided for study completion. For more information, call  IPSAR at 410.502-5433 Principal Investigator:  Mary E. McCaul, PhD. (Protocol # NA_00031348)   Download Flyer

Nicotine Patch Research Study
This research study is being done to learn more about brain changes during active smoking and nicotine withdrawal. We will be studying the brain using noninvasive imaging in both smokers and non-smokers. Participants will complete 2 visits, one of which includes staying on a research unit for 3 nights. Compensation up to $600 will be provided for study completion. For more information, call 410.502-5433. Principal Investigator: Mary E. McCaul, PhD   Download Flyer
(RPN:  NA_00036996)

Opioid users (heroin or prescription pain relievers) looking for withdrawal treatment
Are you 18-60 years old, currently addicted to heroin or prescription pain relievers and seeking treatment? Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center are conducting an inpatient research study to test an investigational medication for opioid withdrawal.  Participation requires you to live on our Clinical Research Unit for up to 28 days. If you qualify, you will receive study-related care at no cost and you will be compensated. Compensation of up to $700. Call 410-550-0490 for phone screening. Principal Investigator:  Eric Strain, MD (Protocol # NA_00037871). Download Flyer

Buprenorphine, Suboxone and Methadone Study
Volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55 who are prescribed buprenorphine or methadone are needed for a research study at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Volunteers must not be using any other drugs. Participants also must be healthy, pain free, and willing to stay overnight on a research unit. Compensation is provided up to $375. Please call 410-550-9494 to see if you may qualify. Principal Investigator: Andrew Tompkins, M.D. (NA_00071459) Download flyer.

Marijuana Treatment Study
Marijuana users 18-55 years old are needed to take part in a research study of marijuana use and sleep at Johns Hopkins. Study volunteers will complete a 12-week program designed to help stop use of marijuana.  Study includes investigational medication and advanced assessments of sleep. Call (410) 550-2695 for details. Principal Investigator: Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D. Study Number: NA_00068969

Methamphetamine Users
Methamphetamine users are needed for a medical research study. Volunteers should be between the ages of 18-45, in good general health and taking no regular medications. Testing will take place at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Volunteers will be paid for completion of all study procedures. Travel expenses will be covered. Please call 410-550-2588 or 410-550-5295 or email [email protected] for more information. Principal Investigator: Una D. McCann (IRB Number: NA_00031313)

Related studies:

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Traumatic Brain Injury

We Need Former NFL Players for Imaging
Did you recently step away from NFL play?
We’re using imaging at Johns Hopkins to study the brain after sports-related concussions. To qualify for the study, you must:

  • be between 23 and 40 years of age
  • have at least 2 years of experience in the NFL
  • be within 10 years of last NFL play

Qualified participants will undergo a PET scan, an MRI scan, and an optional lumbar puncture. Those completing the study will receive a compensation for time and travel. Please contact Dr. Jennifer Coughlin at 443-287-4701 or [email protected] for more details. Application #IRB00030788, Principal Investigator: Martin Pomper MD, PhD
Download flyer

Healthy Research Volunteers Needed

Participants needed for sleep disruption studies
Individuals who have previously taken an opioid medication and are healthy, good sleepers are needed to participate in a research study. Participation involves in-home sleep screening, sensory testing, opioid medication and/or placebo exposure, and monitored overnight stays at the clinical research unit. Eligible participants may be compensated up to $1205.00. If interested in participating, please contact the Behavioral Medicine Research Lab at [email protected] or (410) 550-6246. Michael Smith, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Protocol: IRB00224309, Protocol: IRB00160629. Download flyer

New research study of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
Healthy controls needed for participating in a Schizophrenia research study. The Schizoaffective Disorders Precision Medicine Center of Excellence is recruiting healthy individuals to participate in a research study to determine how the signs and symptoms of these illnesses relate to each other and to the effectiveness of medicines. Participants will take be asked to participate in clinical psychiatric assessments; their thinking and memory, sense of smell, and ability to manage routine daily tasks will also be measured. The study will take 3-6 hours of time. Participants will receive $100 in payment in compensation for their time. Individuals may be eligible if they are generally healthy and are at least 14 years of age. Individuals with a history of serious head trauma, a neurologic disorder, HIV infection, intellectual disability, or a serious active medical problem that would interfere with study assessments are not eligible.
If you are interested, please fill out this survey
For more information please contact the study research coordinator at email [email protected].
Principal Investigator: Dr. Frederick Nucifora, Jr. (IRB00331222).

Adults

Experience PMS? Interested in Research?

The Johns Hopkins University is seeking women to participate in a research study on premenstrual mood symptoms, sometimes called premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The study involves 3 remote visits with Johns Hopkins staff over the course of 2-3 months, plus in-person blood draws. These visits involve questionnaires about mood, tracking your menstrual cycle, and providing saliva samples, in addition to blood samples. Each of the visits lasts about 1 hour.

To be eligible for the study, women must

  • Experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, or anger the week before their period. These feelings must go away shortly after their period starts.
  • Be age 18-50
  • Experiencing regular menstrual cycles
  • Not be taking hormonal birth control (the pill, the patch, the shot, the Mirena/Skyla IUD)
  • Not using psychiatric medications such as antidepressants

For more information, please visit our website. To see if you might be eligible, follow the link for the eligibility screener.
Principal Investigator: Liisa Hantsoo, Ph.D
Protocol #: IRB00256856

Phase II Trial of CORT108297 to Attenuate the Effects of Acute Stress in the Allocortex (CORT-X)

We are doing this study to better understand the link between stress and memory problems. When individuals are in stressful situations, their bodies make “stress” hormones that can have negative effects on brain areas that control memory. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease have higher levels of stress hormones than individuals without this disease.

In this study, we are testing the effects of a new drug, called CORT108297, which was developed to block stress hormones from attaching to brain areas related to memory. Our goal is to determine whether this drug is effective in improving memory in individuals with memory impairment and/or in those who have no memory impairment but are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

This study will involve 6 in-person visits over 10 weeks at the Johns Hopkins Bayview campus. Participants with mild cognitive impairment or who have risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, and who are at least 55 years old, can participate. To hear more information regarding this study, please call us at (410) 550-2036 or email study coordinator Nick Bienko at [email protected]. Principal investigator: Cynthia A. Munro, Ph.D. (IRB00227116).

Healthy women dieters
Are you a dieter? Do you limit your fat intake? Healthy female dieters age 18-55 with BMI 18.5-24.9 are needed to take part in a research study at Johns Hopkins. Participants will be paid up to $200 for study completion. Study involves two visits to Johns Hopkins Hospital and includes a behavioral and fMRI assessment, one blood draw and questionnaires. Call (410) 955-3863 or email [email protected] for information. PI: Angela Guarda, MD (#IRB00150857)

Researchers are seeking healthy people for a brain imaging research study
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Hospital are seeking volunteers to participate in a brain imaging research study.

  • Are you between the ages of 30-80 years old?
  • Are you healthy adult with no history of untreated medical condition and no history of psychosis?
  • Are you without history of recreational substance abuse in the past six months?

If you answered yes to the above questions, you may be eligible to participate. Those who complete the study will receive up to a cash payment of $300. For more details, call (443)-287- 4701 or email [email protected]. Application No. IRB00259945, Principal Investigator: Jennifer Coughlin M.D.

Healthy Volunteers Needed for Paid Cannabis Research Studies
Healthy volunteers are needed to take part in four Johns Hopkins research studies involving cannabis, one of which involves tobacco and cannabis. Principal investigator for all the studies is Ryan Vandrey, Ph.D. Brief descriptions of the studies, the amount of compensation, and contact phone numbers follow:

  • People age 18–55 who are current tobacco users and have a history of occasionally using cannabis (marijuana). Participants will be paid up to $1,730 for study completion. Study involves smoking cannabis and also smoking a tobacco cigarette or vaping with an e-cigarette over seven experimental sessions. Call 410-550-0050 for more information. Protocol #: IRB00220975.
  • Volunteers age 18–55 who have a history of occasionally using cannabis (marijuana). Participants will be paid up to $3,230 for study completion. Study involves vaping substances found in cannabis (such as THC) in nine separate experimental sessions, each lasting about seven hours. There is also a separate screening visit lasting about three hours to determine eligibility. Call 410-550-0586 for more information. Protocol #: IRB00182689.

Research study examining sleep, pain, and medication responses
The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine is seeking healthy volunteers to participate in a research study examining sleep, pain, and medication responses. You may be eligible if you: are between 21-60 years old, are a good sleeper, have taken an opioid pain medication at some point in your life (e.g. Oxycontin, Codeine, Morphine, Percocet, Vicodin, Dilaudid, etc), and are not currently taking an opioid pain medication. The study includes 4 visits. The first two visits are screening visits. Visit 1 will last 2-3 hours and Visit 2 will last 6 hours. Visits 3 and 4 will include several overnight stays at our clinical research unit (Visit 3 = 3 Nights, Visit 4 = 2 Nights). One night will involve experimental sleep deprivation. There will also be administration of FDA approved pain medication. You may earn up to $1200 for completing all study-related visits. There is no cost to you for any of the procedures. For more information, please call 410-550-9058 or email [email protected]. PI: Patrick H. Finan, Ph.D., Protocol: IRB00160629. Download flyer

Healthy Volunteers Needed for Research Study at Johns Hopkins Hospital
Healthy females age 18-55 (BMI 18.5-24.9) are needed to take part in a research study at Johns Hopkins. Participants will be paid up to $200 for study completion. Study involves behavioral and fMRI assessments and questionnaires. Call (443) 287-6853. PI: Angela Guarda, MD (#IRB00150857)

Sensory Research Study
We are conducting a study to examine the mechanisms in the brain that mediate pain. If you participate in this study we will measure scalp EEG during the presentation of the painful stimulus. The stimulus may be from heating or cooling of a metal surface, immersion of the hand in ice water, sustained muscle contraction, or shining of a controlled laser on the skin. In other studies you will be asked to carry out movements while brain waves (EEG) are measured from your scalp. You may also be asked to move a handle to connect two dots on a computer screen while a motor makes it more or less difficult to carry out the movement.
The test session will take about 2-4 hours and there may be several sessions, each on a different day. Anyone between the ages of 18-80 is potentially eligible to participate in the study. Email: [email protected]. Participants will receive 25 USD / hour and a voucher for parking.
Protocol: Physiological Studies in Healthy Subjects, Chronic Pain Patients and in Patients undergoing Neurosurgical Procedures of Human Forebrain Mechanisms mediating Somatic Sensation, Motor Control and Neurological Disorders (IRB#: NA_00079932, Principal Investigator: Frederick Lenz)

Molecular imaging of brain injury and repair in NFL players
Did you recently step away from NFL play?
We’re using imaging at Johns Hopkins to study the brain after sports-related concussions. To qualify for the study, you must:

  • be between 23 and 40 years of age
  • have at least 2 years of experience in the NFL
  • be within 10 years of last NFL play

Qualified participants will undergo a PET scan, an MRI scan, and an optional lumbar puncture. Those completing the study will receive a compensation for time and travel. Please contact Dr. Jennifer Coughlin at 443-287-4701 or [email protected] for more details. Application #IRB00030788, Principal Investigator: Martin Pomper MD, PhD
Download flyer

Related studies:

Healthy Volunteers Needed for Research Study at Johns Hopkins Bayview
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine researchers are seeking healthy volunteers ages 18-65 to participate in a research study of the effects of commonly used medications on mood and medication preference. This study requires brief visits to our Bayview campus on weekdays. Participants may earn up to $2000. Please call (410) 550-1927 or email [email protected] for more information. Principal Investigator: Roland R. Griffiths, Ph.D. Protocol: IRB00165287. Download flyer.

Cigarette Smokers Needed for Study on Smoking Behavior
You will be paid up to $2760 for completing the entire study. Healthy men and women who smoke cigarettes and are 18 years old or older are needed to participate in a research study at the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. This is not a treatment study. The study tests factors that influence smoking behavior. Participation involves an initial phone screening and an in person 3 hour screening visit. If qualified, this study requires an additional 32 in person visits lasting approximately 4 hours each, and 4 in person visits lasting approximately 1.5 hours each. Morning, afternoon, and evening times are available for in person visits. For more information, please call (410) 550-1465. Principal Investigator: Matthew Johnson, Ph.D. (Protocol #: IRB007178). Download flyer

Oxidative Stress and Mood Disorder Trajectories Research Study
This research study will involve 2 study visits over a period of 2 weeks consisting of a blood draw, a urine tox screen, psychiatric evaluations, answering questionnaires and undergoing a scan of your brain called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). People aged 35-84 years with and without mood disorders may participate. Principal Investigator: Fernando Goes, MD; IRB00104809. Download flyer

Study on Pain
If you’ve ever experienced pain, you know it can really interfere with your life. Help us to help others who are in pain. This research study will evaluate whether different combinations of FDA-approved medications will reduce pain. If you are over 18 years old, do NOT have current pain, and are willing to attend 8 total visits, you may be eligible to participate! You can earn up to $1230 for your time. All participation is completely confidential. To learn more and to see if you may be eligible, please call 410- 550-9799. See if you qualify here. Principal Investigator: Kelly Dunn, Ph.D. (Study Number: IRB00097937)

Research study that includes a NAP!
Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine are studying the impacts of a computerized learning task on weight loss. You may be eligible if you are between 20-55 years old, are generally healthy, are a healthy sleeper, and are overweight and wanting to lose weight. The study includes 3 inperson visits and 1 remote visit, the first lasting between 3-4 hours, the second between 4-5 hours, the third for 30 minutes, and the fourth between 2-3 hours. The visits include 1 screening session, 1 session including a 90 minute nap and a food taste test, one remote follow up session, and 1 in-person follow up session. The study provides compensation (up to $180). There is no cost to you for any of the procedures.For more information, please call 410-550-6165 or email [email protected]. PI: Michael T. Smith, Ph.D., Protocol: IRB00101818. Download flyer

Does Your Sense of Taste Affect Your Appetite?
Healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 65 are needed to take part in a research study at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. The study will examine participants' appetite and ability to taste before and after taking a drug. Participation involves one screening visit and three study days that may last up to five hours each. Participants will earn up to $180. For more information or to enroll, please call 410-550 -1102. Refer to the "Taste" study. Principal Investigator: Denis Antoine, M.D.( Application #: NA_00046407)

Healthy Volunteers/Adult ADD/ADHD
Healthy men and women are needed to take part in a 2-day outpatient study at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Volunteers should be between the ages of 18 and 40 and in good general health. The study involves neuropsychological questionnaires and brain imaging scans. Testing will take place at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Bayview Medical Center. Volunteers will be paid for completion of all study procedures. Earn up to $300 plus travel expenses. For more information please call 410-550-6266 or 410-550-2588 or email [email protected]. Principal Investigator: Una D. McCann, M.D. (IRB Number: NA_00073552) Download flyer

Healthy Volunteers/Methamphetamine Users
Healthy men and women are needed for a 4-day inpatient study. Volunteers should be between the ages of 18-45 and in good general health. The study involves neuropsychological questionnaires and brain imaging scans. Testing will take place at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Hospital. Volunteers will be paid for completion of all study procedures. Earn up to $450 plus travel expenses. For more information please call 410-550-6266 or 410-550-2588 or email [email protected]. Principal Investigator: Una D. McCann, M.D. (IRB Number: NA_00031313) Download flyer

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test for Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarker Development
The purpose of this research is to find if there is a relationship between a chemical in the blood, which may be related to memory problems, and the body’s hormonal response from the pancreas, gut, and fat tissue after an oral glucose tolerance test. People with memory problems may join this study. The study involves a memory screening test and an oral glucose tolerance test. The results of these tests will help us with our research study related to memory, aging, and hormones. If you are interested in learning more about this study please call Sasha Pletnikova at 410-550-9047. Esther Oh, M.D., Principal Investigator (JHU IRB Application No.: NA_00014837)

Healthy Brain and Imaging

PET Scans of Healthy Volunteers Over 60 Years of Age
We are conducting brain imaging research using a technique called Positron Emission Tomography, or PET for short, to take pictures of the brain. If you are in good health and aren’t taking medications that affect the brain, you may qualify for participation. Qualified people will participate at no cost to them. Compensation for time and transportation will be provided. For more information, please call: (410) 550-9052. Principal Investigator: Gwenn Smith, PhD (IRB Protocol No: NA_00021615). Click here for a copy of our flyer.

Molecular Brain Imaging of Nicotinic Cholinergic Receptors in Normal Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Our study uses a new molecular imaging method designed to visualize distribution of certain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. Past research suggests that these nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are reduced in number in the human brain over normal aging and in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s Disease. We aim to visualize the distribution of these receptors in the brain by using a novel radiotracer that targets the α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor by using positron emission tomography (PET). Use of this new, sensitive medical imaging technology may help us to better understand how deficits in cognition may be linked to loss of these receptors over aging and in disease--and inform development of new therapies to target these receptors to possibly improve symptoms. We are recruiting patients with MCI and Alzheimer's Disease as well as healthy controls between the ages 35-90 years. This brain imaging study consists of a 90 minute PET scan, a MRI scan, and blood work across 2 to 3 study visits. Volunteers are compensated for their time. For more information and to undergo a phone screening to determine eligibility please contact: Dr. Jennifer Coughlin, Co-Investigator: [email protected]; 443-287-4701. PI: Martin G. Pomper, M.D., Ph.D. IRB # NA_00076249

Functional Neuroimaging of Nimodipine in Healthy Men
The Lieber Institute for Brain Development is recruiting healthy men between ages of 18-35 for a research study conducted at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The study involves a screening visit (about 2 hours) followed by 2 all-day (8am-4pm) study visit days at the participant's choosing. The study investigates the neural effects of Nimodipine, a safe FDA-approved calcium channel blocker, on brain function. During the screening visit, participants will have blood drawn to determine their genotype corresponding to a specific calcium channel gene, and participants will be grouped by genetic variants for comparison of fMRI activity. Study visit days include IV placement, fMRI scans, cognitive and emotional tasks and blood draws. Candidates must be Caucasian, right-handed, non-smoking and generally healthy. Candidates must not have past or present psychiatric disorders, any metal in the body, history of low blood pressure or loss of consciousness. Compensation is $500 for completion of both study visits with lunch provided during both study days. Call 443-287-5675 or email [email protected] for more information. PI: Kristin Bigos, Ph.D. (IRB #: NA_00070426) DOWNLOAD FLYER

Tennis Players Needed for PET Imaging
We need males (ages 23-40) who played tennis in college for an imaging research study at Johns Hopkins!
To qualify, you must:

  • be between 23 and 40 years of age
  • be a healthy adult male
  • have no history of psychiatric disease
  • have played tennis at the college level or higher for at least 2 years

Qualified participants will undergo a PET scan, an MRI scan, and an optional lumbar puncture. Those completing the study will receive a payment of up to $500. Please reach Dr. Jennifer Coughlin at 443-287-4701 or [email protected] for more details. Principle Investigator: Martin Pomper, M.D., Ph.D., Application #: IRB00030788
Download flyer

Swimmers Needed for PET
We need males (ages 23-40) who swam in college for an imaging research study at Johns Hopkins!
To qualify, you must:

  • be between 23 and 40 years of age
  • be a healthy adult male
  • have no history of psychiatric disease
  • have participated in swimming at the college level or higher for at least 2 years

Qualified participants will undergo a PET scan, an MRI scan, and an optional lumbar puncture. Those completing the study will receive a payment of up to $500. Please reach Dr.Jennifer Coughlin at 443-287-4701 or [email protected] for more details. Principle Investigator: Martin Pomper, M.D., Ph.D., Application #: IRB00030788
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Researchers Seeking Healthy People for a Brain Imaging Research Study: Imaging the role of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in the pathophysiology of psychosis
To qualify for the study, you must be:

  • 18-35 years of age
  • Healthy adult: no chronic illnesses, non-smoker, no drug/alcohol abuse
  • No history of psychiatric disease

Qualified participants will have bloodwork, memory testing, one PET scan and one MRI scan of the brain. Those completing the study will receive a payment of up to $400. For more information, please call Dr. Jennifer Coughlin at 443-287-4701 or email [email protected]
Principal Investigator: Martin Pomper, M.D., Ph.D., Application #: IRB00184745
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Researchers Seeking Healthy People for a Brain Imaging Research Study: A Phase 1 Study of imaging the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in mild cognitive impairment using [18F]ASEM PET
To qualify for the study, you must be:

  • 65-80 years of age
  • Healthy adult: no chronic illnesses, non-smoker, no drug/alcohol abuse
  • No history of psychiatric diseases

Qualified participants will have bloodwork, memory testing, one PET scan and one MRI scan of the brain. Those completing the study will receive a payment of up to $400. For more information, please call Dr. Jennifer Coughlin at 443-287-4701 or email [email protected]. Principal Investigator: Martin Pomper, M.D., Ph.D., Application #: IRB00222626

Children and Adolescents

More studies with children and adolescent participants »

Assessment of Disorders of Consciousness in Children: Development of the Pediatric Coma Recovery Scale - Ages 6 months –5 years
Dr. Beth Slomine and colleagues at the Brain Injury Clinical Research Center at Kennedy Krieger Institute are recruiting children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years to participate in a research study to help better understand the responses of young children with severe brain injuries. If enrolled in this research study, the child will be asked to look at, listen to, and touch toys. This one time visit will take about 60 minutes and will take place at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at the 707 N. Broadway building. There are no significant risks or direct medical benefits for participating in this study. Each family will receive a $25.00 gift card for completing testing. If interested please contact Rachel Nicholson at 443-923-7987 or [email protected]. (IRB #: IRB00064686) Principal investigator: Dr. Beth Slomine DOWNLOAD FLYER

Neural Markers of Concussion and Recovery - Ages 13–17
Dr. Stacy Suskauer and colleagues at the Brain Injury Clinical Research Center at Kennedy Krieger Institute are recruiting teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 years to participate in a research study examining differences in brain and behavior between participants with acute concussion and normal controls. We are looking for teenagers without any history of traumatic brain injury, including concussion, as “comparison subjects.” Participants must speak English fluently and not have any learning or mental health diagnoses. The study involves paper and pencil tasks, sensory motor tasks, computer activities and a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain. None of these tests are harmful or painful. There are no direct medical benefits from taking part in the study. The study involves two days of testing; the MRI will take place during the first visit. Participants will receive $50.00 for each study visit and a picture of their brain. Parents will receive a report of the tests administered to their child as well as the MRI results. All testing is done free of charge. For more information about this study, please contact Rachel Nicholson at 443-923-7987 or by email [email protected]. (IRB protocol #NA_00077748) Principal Investigator: Stacy Suskauer, M.D. DOWNLOAD FLYER

Iron Status and ADHD - Children ages 6–10
Dr. Rhoda Gottfried and colleagues at the Kennedy Krieger Institute are recruiting children between the ages of 6 and 10, with and without ADHD, to participate in a research study investigating Iron Status, Limb Movements, and ADHD. What to expect from participating: 1) One diagnostic interview, 2) One blood draw, 3) Brief Neurocognitive testing, 4) Three nights of wearing a device that measures leg movement. What are the benefits to participants? Participants receive a summary of the neurocognitive evaluation including an IQ score and laboratory results.Reimbursement for time and inconvenience is $100. Those interested in participation should contact research assistant Kyla Machell at 410-614-3317 or PI Rhoda Gottfried at 410-614-3469. (IRB Protocol #NA_00030898). DOWNLOAD FLYER.

Emotional Attention and Memory in Healthy Children
We are searching for healthy, typically developing children ages 7 to 17 and their parents to take part in a research study at the Kennedy Kreiger Institute/Johns Hopkins Hospital. Participation involves a psychological evaluation with the parent and child, a brief measurement of the child's IQ, and a computer test to see how children react to different faces and words. The study requires one two and half hour visit. There are no direct benefits to the child for participating in this study. There are no significant medical risks associated with the study. Roma Vasa, M.D. is the principal investigator. Call 443-923-2643. (IRB Protocol # NA_00004616) DOWNLOAD FLYER

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Notice to Researchers: If you are faculty in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and you wish to post a recruitment ad on this page, please contact Benedicta Kim at [email protected]. You will need to send the IRB-approved recruitment language in paragraph form with a title of the study, the PI, contact information and the IRB Protocol Number. If you wish to make a flyer available to the public, send it in PDF or Word document form. You are responsible for IRB approval of the ad. Please be sure to contact us to remove the ad from this page when recruitment is complete. Thank you.