| Spring 2003 CARES Foundation, Inc. | |
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Two Adrenal Studies by Yale University |
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Effects of Gender and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on Executive Function |
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During Smoking Withdrawal Healthy smokers, 18-55 years, needed for research on effects of 24-hours smoking withdrawal on brain function. Pays up to $300. Call Marty: 203-932-5711x4447. YaleHIC#19974, VAHSS#AR0011. Carriers of CAH who smoke especially needed. Research has shown that new or infrequent smoking activates the adrenal gland, while heavy regular smoking tends to suppress reactivity of the adrenal gland. When the adrenal gland is activated, persons with cortisol synthesizing enzyme defects may shunt chemicals normally used to make cortisol into other pathways. Some of these pathways produce steroids that increase arousal and anxiety, while other pathways produce steroids that decrease arousal and anxiety. Therefore, smoking patterns may vary, depending on where an adrenal gland enzyme block is located. Some people may smoke heavily to suppress the adrenal gland and decrease the production of certain steroids that induce arousal and anxiety. Others may smoke less often, but regularly, to increase the production of steroids that increase arousal or reduce depression. In either case, smoking is used to improve mood and cognition and therefore may be difficult to stop. Research studies are therefore being conducted to see how common alterations in adrenal steroid production influence mood and cognition during smoking and smoking withdrawal. It is hoped that this research will lead to development of new techniques to improve smoking cessation success as well as treat mood and anxiety disorders in persons with alterations in adrenal gland function. |
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| Healthy smokers, 18-55 years, needed for research on effects of 24-hours smoking withdrawal on brain function. Pays up to $300. Call Marty: 203-932-5711x4447. YaleHIC#19974, VAHSS#AR0011. Carriers of CAH who smoke especially needed. | ||||
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HPA Axis Function in Men and Women with Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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| Women and men between 18 and 55 are invited to participate in a Yale/VA research study about the way that traumatic events, such as rape or incest, domestic violence, criminal assault, natural disasters, motor vehicle accidents, etc. change the way the stress hormone system functions. Subjects with post-traumatic stress disorder and healthy control subjects with no medical or psychiatric problems will be needed. You will be paid up to $485 for participating. If you have a trauma history, a comprehensive evaluation for post-traumatic stress disorder is included. If you are interested, please call and leave a message at the VA National Center for PTSD Research Office at 932-5711, ext. 4447.
VA Connecticut Healthcare System Protocol AR#0004 and Yale School of Medicine HIC#12819. |
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| This study, and other related studies conducted through Yale University and the West Haven Veteran's Hospital are examining the impact of adrenal functioning on stress and reaction to major stress experiences. Specifically, they are looking for carriers of CAH gene mutations to participate. They are seeking healthy subjects and subjects who have suffered major life stresses (whether you have had resulting emotional distress or not). This is a good chance for carriers of CAH (for example, parents of an affected child) to help research that is looking at the adrenal glands' role in dealing with stress, anxiety disorders and depression.
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