The Clinical Trials Unit offers children, adolescents, and adults diagnosed with a wide range of psychiatric disorders an opportunity to participate in innovative research and clinical trials.
Our team of experienced psychiatrists and clinicians promotes excellence in clinical care through cutting edge research on the latest medications and novel therapeutic options in hopes of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Staff | Overview | Participate in a Clinical Trial | Active Clinical Trials | Upcoming
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Overview
Psychiatric clinical trials are highly regulated research studies using human volunteers to test the safety and efficacy of novel psychiatric drugs and treatments. Clinical trials are essential for developing new methods to prevent, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders. By participating in a clinical trial, patients can take an active role in managing their symptoms, gain access to novel research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by advancing our scientific understanding of the causes and contributors of psychiatric conditions.
CLINICAL TRIALS UNIT
The Clinical Trials Unit is located on the Hartford Hospital / Institute of Living campus in Hartford, CT. The service, directed by Dr. Mirjana Domakonda, conducts controlled, clinical testing in human subjects of investigational psychiatric drugs, therapeutic modalities, or combined treatments that are currently in development but not yet approved for use in routine clinical care. Investigational drugs and/or treatments can only be administered to eligible individuals who are enrolled in a formal research study.
All research and clinical studies at the Clinical Trials Unit are conducted under investigator-initiated or industry-sponsored protocols with financial support from pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and/or non-profit entities. The Hartford Healthcare Institutional Review Board, in conjunction with study sponsors and regulatory authorities, reviews, approves, and oversees all research and clinical trials at the Clinical Trials Unit.
Below you can find more information about currently running research and clinical trials and participant eligibility criteria. If you or a loved one are interested in participating in a research or clinical trial, please contact us by calling 860.545.7476.
Participate in a Clinical Trial
COVID-19 Update: In an effort to protect the health and safety of our staff and study participants, the Clinical Trials Unit conducts screening prior to entering the building and requires that all participants and visitors wear a facial mask during their visit.
Our current and upcoming studies are listed below. For more information or to see if you or your loved one are eligible to participate in an ongoing or upcoming study, please email us at clinical.trials@hhchealth.org or call us 860-545-7476. We look forward to hearing from you.
Active Clinical Trials

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER WITH SLEEP DISTURBANCE
42847922MDD3005 (Janssen) CURRENTLY RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression and insomnia but are not finding relief from your current antidepressant medication, you may qualify for this study.
Clinical trial to examine the efficacy and safety of an investigational drug for MDD called Seltorexant when used as an add-on therapy to standard antidepressant medications.
Qualified participants include:
- Adults aged 18 to 75 years old
- Have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder
- Currently prescribed a study-approved antidepressant (for at least ≥ 6 weeks)
- Have had inadequate response to at least one but no more than two antidepressant medications
Those that qualify will:
- Receive study-related care with a board-certified psychiatrist and other clinical staff at no cost
- Receive reimbursement for study participant and costs
For more information, contact clinical.trials@hhchealth.org or call us 860.545.7476
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POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)
331-201-00071 (Otsuka) CURRENTLY RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS
If you experienced or witnessed a traumatic event and now have unwanted memories of the event, struggle with fear and anxiety, feel isolated from family and friends; or avoid situations that remind you of the trauma, you may qualify for this study.
Clinical trial to examine the efficacy and safety of brexpriprazole combined with sertraline as treatment for adults with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Qualified participants include:
- Adults aged 18 to 65 years old
- Have been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder
- Onset of symptoms for a minimum of 6 months prior to screening
Those that qualify will:
- Receive study drug and study-related care with a board-certified psychiatrist and other clinical staff at no cost.
- Receive reimbursement for study participation and costs.
For more information, contact clinical.trials@hhchealth.org or call us 860.545.7476
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MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
MK1942-006 (Merck) CURRENTLY RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS
Are you struggling with treatment resistant depression? This study might be for you!
Clinical Trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of an oral investigational medication for treatment-resistant depression.
Qualified participants include:
- Adults age 18-65
- Have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder or treatment-resistant depression
- Currently taking an antidepressant medication that is not working well
- Have had an inadequate response to up to four antidepressant medications
Those that qualify will:
- Receive study drug and study-related care with a board-certified psychiatrist and other clinical staff at no cost.
- Receive reimbursement for study participation and costs.
For more information, contact clinical.trials@hhchealth.org or call us 860.545.7476
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MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
NBI-MDD2024 (SAVITRI Study) (Neurocrine Biosciences) CURRENTLY RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS
If you have a Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) that hasn’t responded to anti-depressant medication, learn about this research study of an investigational drug for MDD. As part of their study participation, patients will be regularly evaluated and closely monitored by a team of medical professionals.
Clinical trial to examine the efficacy and safety of a once-daily oral investigational medication combined with standard antidepressant medications as treatment for adults with major depressive disorder.
Qualified participants include:
- Adults aged 18 to 65 years old
- Have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder
- Currently taking antidepressant medication(s)
- Have had inadequate response to up to five antidepressant medications
Those that qualify will:
- Receive study-related care with a board-certified psychiatrist and other clinical staff at no cost
- Receive reimbursement for study-related travel costs
For more information, contact clinical.trials@hhchealth.org or call us 860.545.7476 |
Upcoming Clinical Trials

SCHIZOPHRENIA AND BIPOLAR DISORDER IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
ALKS 3831-A312 (Alkermes) A clinical study to assess weight gain in pediatric patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder after treatment with olanzapine and samidorphan.
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