Stratified Pharmacological Approaches for Regulating Circuit-Level Effects
Recruiting · Palo Alto, California
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
This research study aims to understand how people with depression respond to the medication pramipexole and to determine whether clinical response differs depending on the function of specific circuits in the brain. The investigators hope to learn which circuits are involved in depression and how these circuits interact with pramipexole to affect mood, behavior, and cognition.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
This research study aims to understand how people with depression respond to the medication pramipexole and to determine whether clinical response differs depending on the function of specific circuits in the brain. The investigators hope to learn which circuits are involved in depression and how these circuits interact with pramipexole to affect mood, behavior, and cognition. Eligible participants will undergo an 8-week treatment course of pramipexole followed by a 2-week down taper and follow up. The ultimate goal is to offer people experiencing depression a medication that is alternative to ones that may not have worked in the past and to apply the knowledge the investigators gain from investigating the brain circuits involved in depression to help personalize treatment. The investigators invite anyone who has recently experienced symptoms of depression to participate. A prior diagnosis of depression is not required.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •Ages 18 to 65 (including both ages).
- •Can read and understand English well enough to follow study instructions, and can do study tasks with normal intellectual abilities.
- •Willing to sign a written informed consent form.
- •Able to complete the study’s fMRI screening forms at the Stanford Center for Cognitive and Neurobiological Imaging (CNI).
- •Has a PHQ-8 score of 10 or higher, and meets DSM-5 criteria for current or recurrent nonpsychotic major depressive disorder (MDD) based on the MINI interview.
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •Has suicidality with an active plan, or the clinician believes it is present.
- •Has a medical illness or brain injury (current or past) that could interfere with study assessments, as judged by the clinician.
- •Has serious problems with vision, hearing, and/or hand movement that would likely prevent completing assessments, or cannot/unlikely will follow the study steps, as judged by the clinician.
- •Is pregnant, breastfeeding, or cannot or will not use adequate birth control during the study.
- •Has certain psychiatric histories or other conditions that include: non-responsive depression to dopamine agonists, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum or other psychotic disorders/psychosis, ADHD, current OCD or an eating disorder, alcohol/substance use disorder in the last 12 months, or impulsive-compulsive/control problems like gambling in the last 12 months.
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 18–65
- ✓Have Depression
- !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
Yes. This treatment has already been through earlier human studies for safety before reaching this stage.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
This research study aims to understand how people with depression respond to the medication pramipexole and to determine whether clinical response differs depending on the function of specific circuits in the brain. The investigators hope to learn which circuits are involved in depression and how these circuits interact with pramipexole to affect mood, behavior, and cognition.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a mid-stage study (Phase 2), looking at safety and whether the treatment works. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
The study treatment and study-related visits are provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Some requirements (like specific lab values or timing) are confirmed directly by the study team, not by us.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07022405 · Locations: California