DGC Studies

The below listed studies are studies undertaken through the Depression Grand Challenge.

NIMH P50 ALACRITY Center Grant

Dr. Michelle Craske and Dr. Kate Taylor are PIs of a P50 ALACRITY Center grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, that focuses on community college (CC) students because CC students suffer high rates of depression and anxiety in the face of daunting life challenges (e.g. housing and food insecurity) without adequate mental health resources. The research undertaken within the Center aims to optimize the effectiveness and implementation the STAND model (a novel integrated system of care that matches individuals to self-guided online wellness program, digital CBT with coaching, or clinical care) in a low-income, diverse community college student population, and explore pathways for sustainability and spread to other community colleges. In addition to the research projects, center activities include: stakeholder engagement, training, mentorship and continually working to better understand the needs of California community colleges and their communities.

Currently, the Center is working on four research projects leveraging the STAND implementation at East Los Angeles College (STAND at ELAC):

1.                  Triaging and adapting the level of care

2.                  Promoting recruitment and initial uptake of STAND

3.                  Optimizing peer coaching

4.                  Preventing suicide and self harm

The center also funds a number of pilot projects addressing different features of uptake and engagement and effectiveness of STAND.  For more details, see here.

HARMONY: Health And Response: Digital Markers for Outcomes in PeriNatal Depression Treatment StudY

This study aims to investigate whether the addition of digital sensing data collected from phones and watches during the early stages of treatment for perinatal depression can help predict treatment outcomes.
Adult women who are between their last trimester of pregnancy (28 weeks gestation) through postpartum period (12 weeks after delivery) and who are experiencing moderate-to-severe depression may be eligible to participate. Women must also own an eligible iPhone and have access to reliable Wifi and data plan.
Participation includes engaging in one of two treatment interventions, completing self-report assessments over the course of approximately 3 months, and installing an application on one’s iPhone and wearing an Apple Watch (which may be provided) for the first four weeks of the study.
You can receive up to $200 for completing all research assessments, and you may be eligible to keep the provided Apple Watch.
To find out if you are eligible, please contact study staff at (310)-339-9053 or harmonystudy@mednet.ucla.edu.
Visit our website here.

UMMATR Study

The UMMATR Study investigates the relationships between antidepressants and women’s gut health and microbiome. The study is fully remote for participants. If you are interested in participating, please view the flyer below and contact momhealthstudy@mednet.ucla.edu.

UMMATR Study Flyer