Participate

Overview

Most individuals who are interested in a diagnostic assessment and/or treatment at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD) at Boston University are eligible to participate in the Classification of Depression and Anxiety (CODA) Project. If you think you might be interested in participating in our research and receiving a comprehensive diagnostic assessment and treatment recommendations, please call (617) 353-9610. A member of our staff will be happy to speak with you about treatment options at CARD and participation in the CODA Project. 

Initial Evaluation Procedure

A comprehensive assessment is conducted. This entails one or more detailed structured interviews conducted by staff members. The interviews focus on and assess anxiety and mood problems and examine past and current psychological functioning. In addition, a number of paper and pencil questionnaires are administered to provide further information on psychological functioning. This very thorough assessment is conducted because anxiety disorders are complex and often misdiagnosed and is offered on a sliding payment scale, based on household income and number of dependents.

In an effort to reach out to minority populations, we offer free initial evaluations to Asian, African-American, and Hispanic adults who are experiencing anxiety and/or depression.

Purpose of Evaluation

Through these assessments, the Center staff will make appropriate recommendations for treatment, which may include treatment at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, treatment at another clinic, agency, or by another mental health professional, or no treatment at all.  The CODA project uses information gathered during the assessment to add to scientific knowledge about anxiety and mood disorders and their treatment. Information in this data pool is strictly confidential.

Follow-Up

Because of our intent in determining the effectiveness of our treatment procedures, we evaluate patient progress and contact several times up to two years after treatment is finished. We do this to learn of each individual’s progress, to assist with any problems that may remain, and to evaluate the temporal course of disorders and associated features. Individuals who complete the follow-up assessments receive financial compensation for their participation.