Clinical Research

Benefits of Participating in a Research Study:

• Access to new treatments that may improve the participant’s clinical condition.
• Opportunity to participate in studies that may benefit others with the same condition.
• Ongoing medical and psychiatric care at no cost, which may include: study medication, laboratory evaluations, ECG analysis, complete physical and psychiatric examinations.

Our current studies that we are ACTIVELY ENROLLING FOR include:

1. Autism Spectrum Disorder in Pediatric patients (ASD) (5-17 years of age)

2. Bipolar Depression in Pediatric Patients (10-17 years of age)

3. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (12-17 years of age)

4. Adults with Major Depressive Disorder (18-65 years of age)

5. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (4-5 years of age)

6. Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) (18-65 years of age)

7. Adults with Social Anxiety Disorder (18-65 years of age) 

8. Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (12-17 years of age) 

To learn more about our clinical research opportunities please contact:

Catherine Masters, BA
Lead Clinical Research Coordinator
Telephone: 248-290-5400
Email:[email protected]

Gorgina Kareem, BS
Clinical Research Coordinator
Telephone: 248-290-5400 
Email: [email protected] 

Treatment-resistant Depression

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in appetite or sleep, fatigue, poor concentration, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. One key symptom of depression is anhedonia, which is the inability to feel pleasure in activities that are normally enjoyable, such as social interactions, hobbies, or physical sensations. Some individuals may also experience restlessness, slowed thinking or movement, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Without appropriate evaluation and treatment, depressive symptoms, including anhedonia can become chronic, increase the risk of medical illness, and significantly impair daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life.

Our site offers free clinical evaluations to help determine whether symptoms may be consistent with major depressive disorder, an anxiety disorder, or another condition. Identifying the correct diagnosis is the first step toward evidence-based care and recovery.

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens: Why Early Evaluation Matters

Mood swings, irritability, or sudden changes in energy can sometimes be part of growing up — but when these shifts become extreme, persistent, or disruptive, they may be signs of pediatric bipolar disorder. Early evaluation is crucial. Identifying bipolar symptoms in children and teens allows for timely treatment, helping stabilize mood, improve school performance, and strengthen relationships at home and with peers.

With early intervention, families can better understand their child’s emotional patterns, learn effective coping tools, and prevent crises such as self-harm, academic failure, or social withdrawal.

Without proper evaluation or treatment, undiagnosed bipolar disorder can lead to severe mood episodes, risky behaviors, disrupted family dynamics, and long-term emotional and educational setbacks.

At our office, we offer comprehensive mood evaluations designed for children and adolescents. Using validated screening tools and family-centered assessment, we help determine whether a child’s behavior reflects normal developmental changes, ADHD, anxiety, or early bipolar symptoms. Our goal is to give families clarity, direction, and hope — because understanding what’s really going on is the first step toward lasting stability and wellness.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary and repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and other body parts. These movements can include grimacing, tongue protrusion, lip smacking, and rapid blinking. Tardive dyskinesia is typically caused by long-term use of certain medications, particularly antipsychotic medications used to treat psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It can develop after months or years of medication use and may persist even after the medication is discontinued.

ADHD

What “untreated ADHD” means here

By “untreated ADHD” I mean cases where someone has ADHD symptoms (diagnosed or not) that persist without sufficient intervention (medication, behavioral therapy, support, etc.), especially starting in early childhood (e.g. ~4 years old) and continuing into adolescence and adulthood.

Key risks and long-term outcomes

Ages 4–10 (Early childhood)

Core risks: Learning delays, difficulty following rules, social rejection, oppositional behaviors.
Consequences: Poor reading/math foundation, strained parent–child relationships, early conduct issues.
Sources: PubMed 22901345, CHADD White Paper 2021.

Ages 10–16 (Late childhood to early adolescence)

Core risks: Academic underachievement, increasing impulsivity, defiance, and low self-esteem.
Consequences: Risk for school failure, dropout, peer rejection, and early substance use.
Sources: PubMed 24497125, JAMA Psychiatry 1378851.

Ages 16–18 (Late adolescence)

Core risks: Risk-taking and poor emotional regulation.
Consequences: Car accidents, risky sexual behavior, higher rates of depression and anxiety onset.
Sources: PMC 3662801, PubMed 27192174.

Early adulthood (18–30)

Core risks: Persistence of ADHD symptoms (~40–50% continue).
Consequences: Unstable employment, substance use disorders, difficulty maintaining relationships, low self-worth.
Sources: PubMed 34384511, Mayo Clinic 2021.

Later adulthood (30+)

Core risks: Chronic functional impairment and comorbid psychiatric illness.
Consequences: Financial instability, higher divorce rates, workplace underperformance, elevated accident/suicide risk.
Sources: PubMed 24497125, CHADD White Paper 2021.

Untreated ADHD is not something children simply “grow out of”—it can quietly shape learning, relationships, and self-worth well into adulthood. The good news is that with early, evidence-based evaluation and treatment, these risks can be dramatically reduced. At our office, we specialize in identifying ADHD across all ages and creating tailored treatment plans that help patients regain focus, confidence, and control of their lives. Whether your goal is to improve school performance, strengthen relationships, or reach your professional potential, a thorough evaluation is the first step toward lasting change.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, characterized by the gradual decline in cognitive abilities, including memory loss, difficulty with language and communication, impaired reasoning and judgment, and changes in mood or behavior. Alzheimer's disease is caused by abnormal protein deposits in the brain, leading to the death of nerve cells and the deterioration of brain tissue. It typically worsens over time and significantly impacts daily functioning and quality of life.

Dementia often begins subtly—small lapses in memory, difficulty managing daily tasks, or changes in mood and personality that can be easy to dismiss as “normal aging.” But early evaluation is critical. Detecting cognitive decline in its earliest stages allows for timely treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and planning that can significantly slow progression and preserve quality of life. Early intervention also helps families prepare, communicate better, and access vital resources before a crisis occurs.

Without evaluation or intervention, dementia can advance unnoticed, leading to worsening confusion, safety risks, caregiver burnout, and loss of independence.

At our office, we offer FREE memory testing using an industry-standard cognitive screening scale—a quick, evidence-based tool that helps identify whether you or a loved one may be showing early signs of dementia. This test is often the first step toward understanding what’s happening and taking proactive steps to protect brain health and family well-being.

ECG analysis

ECG analysis refers to the interpretation of electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) recordings, which measure the electrical activity of the heart over time. ECG analysis is used to assess the heart's rhythm, rate, and overall cardiac health, as well as to diagnose various cardiac conditions, such as arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and conduction abnormalities.