Washington University's Department of Psychiatry is seeking participants who experience treatment-resistant depression. The study aims to determine whether the sedative Propofol has antidepressant effects through altering sleep in adults with treatment-resistant depression. There are up to four study visits ranging from one to four hours each. There will be vital sign collection, questionnaires throughout the study, and infusions of Propofol through an IV. Benefits and risks will be discussed with volunteers as part of the informed consent process. Up to $305 is provided in compensation. Criteria is:

  • Participants must be over 60 years of age.
  • Participants must currently have depression and no success after at least two types of oral antidepressant medications of adequate duration.
  • Potential participants will be assessed for sleep deficiencies.
  • Participants must have no ongoing heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, recent stroke in the past year, morbid obesity (BMI > 35), ECT/TMS/vagal nerve stimulation in the last six weeks, resting pulse < 60, or prior reaction to Propofol.

For more information, contact Aris Perez at 314-747-8906 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..