Current Clinical Research at CNS*

Clinical research is essential in advancing our understanding of biological and psychological mechanisms underlying functional GI disorders. The only way these studies can be performed is when affected patients are willing to participate in these studies. If you are interested in these studies, you can either participate in clinical trials in which the effectiveness of novel therapies on IBS symptoms is being evaluated or you can participate in research studies aimed at characterizing mechanisms underlying symptoms in IBS.

* CNS/WH was formerly known as UCLA/CURE Neuroenteric Disease Program

Clinical Trials

Outcomes Research

PROCAIM

 


Research study for Men and Women with IBS
Conducted by Bruce Naliboff, PhD

Men and Women, ages 18-55 with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – abdominal pain or discomfort associated with diarrhea and/or constipation.

Qualifying volunteers will receive a medical history and physical examination. Research project involves 2 separate visits over the course of a 6-week period and provides compensation of up to $150.00.

For additional information or to complete a 5-10 minute telephone screening, please call (310) 206-1719.

The title of the study is RIII Startle

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Healthy and IBS Men and Women Needed for Research
Conducted by Lin Chang, MD

Do you suffer from Abdominal Pain and/or Discomfort, Constipation, or Diarrhea? Have you ever been told you have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)? Or, are you a Healthy Adult?

If so, and you are between the age of 18-55, you may qualify to participate in a UCLA research study with Dr. Lin Chang, who is the principal investigator of the study. The purpose of this study is to compare measures of central stress systems in the intestines of men and women diagnosed with IBS to healthy controls. Eligible participants will undergo a:

  • Free physical examination
  • Free colonic examination*†
  • Free pychosocial evaluation

Compensation is up to $200.00. This study entails a screening visit and test session each of approximately 3 hours duration.

If interested, please call (310) 206-1719.

The title of the study is Stress mediators in IBS.

* Although uncommon, as associated with any endoscopic procedure (colon examination), there is risk of puncture of the colon
† The colonic examination is a endoscopic procedure, which is an examination of the large colon with a camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus

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Brain Imaging Study for Men and Women with and Without IBS
Conducted by Emeran Mayer, MD

If you are between the ages of 30 to 55 and have Irritable Bowel Syndrome or are a healthy adult, we need you to participate in a research study conducted by Dr. Emeran Mayer at the UCLA Center for Neurobiology of Stress. (www.cns.med.ucla.edu)

Earn up to $365.00 and get a free picture of your brain.

The purpose of this research is to help understand how we attend to our internal body and the outside world using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Participation involves 4 visits over approximately 6-8 weeks. You must be right-handed and not pregnant.

For further details please call Jean at (310) 206-1758

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Men and Women with IC, PBS or CP/CPPS needed for Research Study
Conducted by Bruce D. Naliboff, PhD

This study is An Observational Control Study to better understand Chronic Pelvic Pain in Patients.

We are looking for participants who:

  • are at least 18 years of age
  • have been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) / Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) or Chronic Prostatitis (CP) / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)

Participation involves three study visits, collection of blood, urine and saliva samples, and completion of questionnaires on the internet for a period of 12 months. You will be paid for your participation in this study (up to $340).

For more information, please contact us at the following: Phone: (310) 206-1757 or e-mail: jsoh@mednet.ucla.edu

In addition, there will be an opportunity to participate in a sub-study that is being offered in conjunction with this study

Neuroimaging Study of Brain Structure, Resting State Activity and Functional Neurobiology.
1 visit approximately 3 hours, $150

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Healthy Men and Women and Patients with IBS Needed for Research Study
Conducted by Bruce D. Naliboff, PhD

This study is An Observational Control Study to better understand Chronic Pelvic Pain in Patients.

We are looking for participants who:

  • are at least 18 years of age
  • are healthy controls
    Or
    have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Participation involves one study visit, collection of blood, urine and saliva samples, and completion of questionnaires on the internet. You will be paid $100 for your participation in this study.

For more information, please contact us at the following: Phone: (310) 206-1757 or e-mail: jsoh@mednet.ucla.edu

In addition, there will be an opportunity to participate in a sub-study that is being offered in conjunction with this study

Neuroimaging Study of Brain Structure, Resting State Activity and Functional Neurobiology.
1 visit approximately 3 hours, $150

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Men and Women with IBS Needed for Therapeutic Movement Study
Conducted by David Shapiro, PhD and Bruce D. Naliboff, PhD

Do You Have Abdominal Pain or Discomfort?

Participate in a UCLA study of the benefits of THERAPEUTIC MOVEMENT for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

You must be between 18 and 65 years of age.

If eligible, you will be able to attend 16 Movement Classes free of charge.

Study conducted by David Shapiro, PhD and Bruce Naliboff, PhD
UCLA Department of Psychiatry

Call (310) 825-6475 for further information

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Healthy Women with Meditation Experience Needed for an fMRI Study
Conducted by Brandall Suyenobu,PhD

Healthy women with an ongoing mindfulness meditation practice of at least 5 years are invited to participate in a research study conducted by Brandall Suyenobu, PhD at the UCLA Center for Neurovisceral Sciences & Women's Health.

This study will look at the effects of mindfulness meditation on brain and stress responses using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Mindfulness meditation is practicing to experience being in the present moment.

Participation in the study involves:

  • One MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
  • One Pain testing procedure involving skin stimulation with heat

You must be 18-60 years of age, right-handed, not pregnant with no chronic pain in order to participate. Qualified volunteers will be compensated up to $40.

For further details, please call Suzanne (310) 206-0310

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Women with IBS or IBD needed fro fMRI study
Conducted by Emeran Mayer, MD

If you are a woman between 18-60 years of age who has been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) you may be eligible to participate in a UCLA study that will help us understand why you experience chronic pain.

  • This 2-part study includes PET and fMRI scanning
  • You will receive $50 for an initial screening and up to $250 if you complete the entire study

Please call (310) 923-3924 or send an e-mail to CNS.PET.STUDY@gmail.com for additional information or to complete a 10-minute telephone screening interview.

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Outcomes Research


PROCAIM, which stands for Patient-Reported Outcomes from Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine, is a Web-based data collection and information system to facilitate the evaluation of complementary and alternative medicine and the interactions among stress, pain, mood, and treatment response. PROCAIM collects a wide range of data directly from patients using standardized questionnaires that address changes over time in symptom severity, mood, stress and coping skills, and quality of life. Access is through the PROCAIM web site, http://www.procaim.org.