The Cheryl T. Herman Foundation enthusiastically supports research that we believe furthers the understanding and treatment of Mood Disorders.  We are currently active in a couple of studies that hopefully extend treatment options for patients.  

 

Why would I participate in research?

 Clinical research examines the safety and effectiveness of medications, devices, diagnostic products or treatment regimens intended for human use.   Some studies investigate a new substance, or molecule.  Other studies seek new data about a treatment that is already known to be effective.  Studies may be conducted by corporate sponsors, or may be sponsored by public entities, such as the National Institutes of Health.

Depending on the particular study, participation in clinical research can have great benefit for the participant.  In the process of completing the study process, the patient receives a thorough diagnosis; both as part of the introduction or screening process, and through the series of in-depth visits the patients have with the research team.  This may be a first diagnosis or identification of one’s condition, or it may be a needed clarification or valuable second opinion.  Factors that contribute to and shape healthy mood and function are varied and complex; each person reacts differently to a given element such as stress, nutrition, social support or other another medical condition.  It takes time and careful effort to begin to recognize the way all of these factors come together and how they shape experience.

Sometimes a patient may find they have another medical condition or environmental factor that is causing or worsening their symptoms – a condition that may have been previously overlooked in less rigorous diagnostic processes.  Doctors who conduct clinical research are often leaders in their respective fields whose opinions are sought by other doctors facing difficult cases.  These experts have frequently chosen to focus on research, and so may not see private patients, but study participants do see these experts, and at no cost.

Study participation typically costs the patient nothing, and may pay a stipend to compensate the patient for their time, or provide reimbursement for travel expenses incurred to visit the clinic.  Studies may provide helpful additional diagnostic steps, like blood tests, other laboratory test, EKGs to check heart health or EEGs to examine brain function.  These may provide critical new information for doctor and patient.

Study participation is highly confidential; patient’s privacy is closely guarded by the investigators’ ethical duties, by the demands of the Review Board overseeing the research project and by Federal law.  Study participation is also fully voluntary – the patient is always in charge of whether they choose to continue in the study.  Patients leaving the study by have other no-charge treatment options offered by the researcher, or may receive high-quality referrals to other care-providers who are respected and acknowledged in the field.

Study patients commonly receive a very high standard of care.  Through the course of study participation, a patient comes to have a better understanding of their condition, and frequently identify a treatment option that works effectively and safely.  Although the purpose of research is to gather data, doctors conducting research seek to provide careful, detailed care to the patients they see.