We are conducting a research study on how psoriasis might be caused or worsened by high levels of the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin. We are seeking people with plaque psoriasis, ages 18-65, who are overweight or obese with a body mass index of 25-35. Participants will have blood drawn and small skin biopsies taken from psoriasis plaques and nearby…
The purpose of this study is to examine the causes and pathology of alopecia areata and other hair and skin disorders. Skin biopsies and blood and/or clinical information collected in the study will be used for research aiming at developing new options for the treatment of alopecia areata and other skin and hair disorders.
Genetic studies help us to understand why some people develop certain diseases while others don't and also provide important clues about how best to treat the disease.
Down syndrome (DS) occurs in roughly 1 out of 700 births in the U.S. Half of all children with Down syndrome have congenital heart disease (CHD), often requiring corrective heart surgery. Even though CHD in children without DS is known to be associated with developmental problems, few studies have explored how CHD can affect the development and behavior of…
This is a research study to understand what causes bipolar disorder and how medications treat bipolar depression. Particularly, we are looking at the importance of inflammation in the process. If you participate, you will receive an experimental medication for your depression named ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid (ethyl EPA), an omega 3 fatty acid. You will…
The goal of this study is to examine how effective and well-tolerated a possible new treatment for individuals who injure themselves frequently will be. All research procedures can be done from home no in-person visits are required. We are studying a minimal-risk form of electrical brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation, or tDCS.…
We are trying to understand what causes bipolar disorder and how medications treat bipolar depression. Particularly, we are looking at the importance of dopamine signaling in the process. If you participate, you will have two different brain scans (MRI and PET scan). You will also have treatment for your depression with an FDA approved medication,…
This study is a double-blind and placebo-controlled study to assess its efficacy of the new drug Lumateperone for patients with Major Depressive Episodes associated with Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorder. Lumateperone is thought to exert its antidepressant effect through interaction with sereotogenic, dopaminergic, and glutamergic neurotransmitter targets.…
We will evaluate the D-cycloserine (DCS) and lurasidone with MRI measurement of brain responses to DCS. DCS is a drug that works on the same brain receptor as ketamine. DCS is not approved by the FDA for bipolar depression. Study participants will receive a dose of lurasidone or placebo in one MRI and a dose of DCS in another, followed by an optional follow…
We are trying to understand what causes bipolar disorder and how medications treat bipolar depression. If you participate, you will have two different brain scans (MRI and PET scan). You will also have antidepressant treatment for free. We will then be able to see whether information on the brain scans connects with how people do on the medications. The…