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Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Mood Disorders Center

Research Studies at the Johns Hopkins Center for Reproductive Mental Health

We are also actively recruiting participants for ongoing research studies. The combination of research with clinical practice keeps our clinicians up to date with evidence-based and high-quality practices.

Maternal Fetal Attachment in Pregnant Women

The Johns Hopkins Reproductive Mental Health Center, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, is seeking individuals who are currently in their third trimester of pregnancy and live in urban Maryland zip codes. We are studying the attachment between a mother and their fetus(es), and how that may be impacted by their prior pregnancy history.

Participants will complete one 20 minute online survey and will receive a $12.50 Amazon gift card in compensation for completion of the study.
To be eligible for the study, participants must:
  • Currently pregnant in the third trimester (28+ weeks of gestational age)
  • Reside in an urban Maryland zip code
  • Age 18+
  • English-speaker
  • Have never previously given birth

To view the online screening and participation form, please click here or navigate to https://redcap.link/uyka4mnn.

Contact Information:
Research Assistant: Ananya Dewan
Email: adewan3@jh.edu
Principal Investigator: Liisa Hantsoo, Ph.D (Protocol# IRB00445770)

The BLOOM Study (Bridging Luteal Ovarian Hormones and Mood)

Allopregnanolone and Dynamic GABA-A Receptor Plasticity in Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Responsive Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

The Johns Hopkins Reproductive Mental Health Center, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, is seeking individuals with regular menstrual cycles to participate in a research study
on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), or mood changes in the week before a menstrual period. This study will also be investigating the effects of anti-
depressants in managing PMS/PMDD.

We are looking both for women who DO experience premenstrual mood symptoms and women who do NOT experience premenstrual mood symptoms before their periods. 

Participants will have 1 remote visit, including mood questionnaires, tracking your menstrual cycle, and providing blood samples. Following the remote visit, there will be 4-8 blood draws
over the span of 1-2 months. 

To be eligible for the study, participants must:

  • Be age 18-50
  • Have a regular menstrual cycle
  • Not be taking hormonal birth control
  • Not using psychiatric medications
  • Participants can receive between $240 - $380 in compensation for completion of the
    study.

Study Location: Johns Hopkins Reproductive Mental Health Center 550 North Broadway, 21205, Baltimore, MD

Contact Information:
Research Assistant: Victoria Paone
Email: vpaone1@jhu.edu Contact Phone: (443)-354-1860
Liisa Hantsoo, Ph.D
Principal Investigator Protocol# IRB00445770
Click here to complete the online screening.

DIBS Study: Diet, Inflammation, BMI, Stress

The DIBS Study: Diet, Inflammation, BMI, Stress

Dietary Fat Intake, Obesity, and Stress in Women with Premenstrual Mood Disorders: A Perfect Storm for Inflammation?

The Johns Hopkins Reproductive Mental Health Center, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, is seeking individuals with regular menstrual cycles to participate in a research study
on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), or mood changes and diet in the week before a menstrual period. This study will also be investigating the
relationship between diet, PMS/PMDD, and inflammation. We are looking both for women who DO experience premenstrual mood symptoms and women who do NOT experience premenstrual
mood symptoms before their periods. We are looking for women who have healthy BMIs (18.5-24.9) and overweight BMIs (greater than or equal to 25).

Participants will have 1 remote visit, including mood questionnaires, tracking your menstrual cycle, and providing saliva and stool samples. Following the remote visit, there will be an in-
person laboratory visit that will take around 3 hours to complete.

To be eligible for the study, participants must:

  • Be age 18-50
  • Have a regular menstrual cycle
  • Not be taking hormonal birth control
  • Not using psychiatric medications
  • No history of endocrine disorders
  • No regular tobacco use
  • Participants can receive $100 in compensation for completion of the study.

Study Location: Johns Hopkins Reproductive Mental Health Center, 550 North Broadway St., Baltimore, MD 21205

Contact Information:
Research Assistant: Michelle Nazareth
Email: mnazare2@jhu.edu
Principal Investigator : Liisa Hantsoo, Ph.D (Protocol#: IRB00464411)
For more information and to complete the online screening.