Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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? Clinical Research ?

inahaze
inahaze
Has anyone ever participated in a Clinical Research Trial for depression? Or any other Clinical Research? I am asking because my Dr. and my husband and family all think I should try it out. It is thru the University. I am having no luck with current meds, treatment, etc. I started to see a new Dr. but, it is expensive and I have no health insurance because I am unable to work. My in- laws have been paying the medical bills for me.
I know I will receive medical care, researched medications and lab work and evaluations- but to what degree.

I guess what I want to know does it help- or work or is a crock?

Thanks for any input!!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
My mother was in a cardio health study with the university. They treated her very well and it provided good info for her and them. If it's free and you want to try something new because what your doing doesn't work. I say go for it! You might learn a lot and they might really help.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hey, I would in a heartbeat. Can't afford my meds either. Just lucky right now I have insurance for a while but don't know for how long.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would try it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes, I did here at Vanderbilt Hospital for BP and depression. Got exceleent care and got paid for it too! Been thinking about doing the same for smoking cig's. I wasn't a crock for me. They slowly took me off the meds I was on then started a regiment of pills, you're not told if the are real or sugarpills. Unfortunately, the pills they gave me didn't work for me as well as the ones i was on, but another guy who was also doing the study and taking the meds they gave him said they worked better for him! Had several tests at the beginning, but nothing wierd or out of the norm....lab work, evaluations, etc. I didn't really mind it at all! Glad I was able to help!
deleted_user
deleted_user
My son was in a study at McLean Psychiatric Hospital for kids with pediatric bipolar disorder. It was a study to learn more about the brains of the kids using MRI's, extensive questionares, neurological testing, and he got a small check at the end. It was mostly just interesting to be a part of it.

But, I see all different studies advertised come through the office for med trials etc. The only thing with the med trials is you never know if you're part of the group taking the "real" med or part of the "control" group. They have to do that to find out how effective the med truly is vs what is psychological. Definitely worth checking into though if you have no insurance.
BettyB
BettyB
Carefully check the pros and cons before agreeing. Find out potential harmful effects and if you are willing to live with those. Ahhhhhhhh, life is a risk no matter what you do.
starfish
starfish
You are taking a risk, because you will be taking medication that has been tested on animals, but not humans yet. You also will have a 50/50 chance, or whatever percentage they use, of getting a placebo and no treatment at all. And you will not know which one.
You will not be able to take any other medications at the same time.
they may offer to pay you, but not unless you complete the full trial.
It is not a crock, but it is a risk.
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