Behavioral Endocrinology Branch (BEB)

Who are we? 

The research program of the Behavioral Endocrinology Branch (BEB) is staffed by physicians, nurses, psychologists, basic scientists and research support personnel, who work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an interdisciplinary research team. The main theme of the BEB is that the reproductive endocrine system may play a major role in the fluctuations of mood state and in susceptibility to the development of mood disorders. Our objective is to study the effects of gonadal steroids -- that is, hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone, commonly called DHEA, on mood state regulation.

Where are we located? 

The BEB research program is located in the Outpatient Department of the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Our research participants generally come from suburban Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.

How can you participate? 

We are currently studying premenstrual dysphoric disorder, commonly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mid-life mood disorders in men, menopause-related mood disorders in women,  postpartum mood disorders and progestin induced dysphoria. You may be self-referred or be referred by your physician. You must be medically healthy and not taking any medications. An initial screening consists of an interview with one of our staff here at the National Institutes of Health and a few weeks of daily mood ratings completed at home. If screening criteria are met, you may be eligible to participate in our studies, which consist of extensive evaluation and/or treatment. Many of our studies recruit healthy volunteers or "normal controls", who complete the same interview and rating process. Your informed consent is obtained before you participate in any studies, and your confidentiality will be maintained at all times.  

 What is your time commitment?  

Most appointments to our clinic involve one to three hours of your time. Generally there are two visits per month between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Studies vary from a few weeks to several months.  

What is the cost to you?  

There is no cost for any treatment or evaluation that you receive while participating in our studies. For non-patient volunteers participating in our studies as controls, we offer financial stipends for your time and effort.