Research Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed to participate in various University of Alabama studies. Below are brief descriptions of some of these projects along with contact information for each.

NO-COST INSOMNIA TREATMENT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DEPENDENT ON SLEEPING PILLS – This study is for people who frequently take prescription medication to sleep, but who continue to have frequent difficulty sleeping. A thorough sleep evaluation, eight sessions of insomnia treatment and follow-up evaluation will be provided at no cost for all who qualify. Each person completing the study receives $300. Contact Dr. Sid Nau at the UA Sleep Research Project, toll free 1-877-210-9723 or sleep.research@ua.edu.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND HEALTH BEHAVIORS PROJECT – This study is for individuals over age 60 and examines what people think their health will be like in the future and whether they believe they may develop Alzheimer's disease some day. Participants will complete a brief telephone interview (15 minutes) and answer questions about their health and their health behaviors (45-60 minutes). After answering these questions, participants will receive $20, and they may request a report about their memory and mood. Contact Phil Haley at 205/348-7518, pphaley@bama.ua.edu or Dr. Rebecca Allen at 205/348-9891.

SELF-HELP TREATMENT STUDY FOR DEPRESSION TREATMENT IN OLDER ADULTS - This study is for those ages 55 and older. The purpose of the study is to test new treatments for depression. This study is testing self-help treatments that are on an audiotape/CD or on the computer. Allow for 5 to 30 minutes to complete an eligibility interview over the telephone. Participants may be compensated up to $30 for participation in this study. Call 205/348-1921 or toll free 1-866-575-2013 and leave a message with your name and telephone number.

SELF-HELP READING STUDY TO IMPROVE MOOD AND WELL-BEING IN OLDER ADULTS - Have you been feeling down or sad lately? Are you feeling withdrawn, or have you lost interest in activities you used to enjoy? Are you having difficulty dealing with a major life change? If you answered yes to any of these questions and are 50 or older you may benefit from our free program. The purpose of the study is to test a self-help book aimed at improving mood and well-being and becoming more actively involved in life. This project can be completed in your home, and you will be compensated $20 upon completion of the program. Contact Kathryn Moss at 205/348-1921, and leave a message with your name and telephone number.

WAYFINDING IN PERSONS WITH DOWN SYNDROME – Youth age 12-21 with Down syndrome and/or mental retardation are needed for a UA study. The study will examine wayfinding skills in young people with Down syndrome compared with matched peers. Participants will be asked to navigate a computerized environment, much like those found in popular video games. Participants who qualify for the study will complete two short tasks in one testing session and will receive a small prize for their participation. Personal information will be kept confidential and used for research purposes only. Call Megan Benson at 205/887-1453, Ed Merrill at 205/348-1932 or Fran Conners at 205/348-7913.

NO-COST INSOMNIA TREATMENT FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE RECENTLY LOST A LOVED ONE – This study is for people age 19 or over who have lost a loved one in the past 2 years and are having difficulty sleeping. The study will involve a one-hour interview and six treatment sessions that will take place either at the UA campus or over the phone. Participants will also fill out some questionnaires at home and mail them back to the researcher in a pre-stamped envelope. Call James Soeffing at the UA Sleep Research Project at 205/348-6385.

RESEARCH SURVEY ABOUT REPETITIVE BEHAVIORS IN CHILDREN –
Researchers at the UA psychology department are beginning a new study of repetitive behaviors in children and adolescents with diagnoses that may cause repetitive behaviors, such as high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This project is part of a graduate student dissertation. We are interested in families with children between the ages of 7-17. Children will not be contacted by the researchers. A parent will complete a telephone interview and an Internet-based survey. Contact Michelle DeRamus, a graduate student supervised by Dr. Laura Klinger, at 205/348-9312 or repetitivebehaviors@gmail.com.

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