Clinical Trials | UVA Department of Anesthesiology is Seeking Married Individuals Ages 35 and Up to Participate in a Study on Stress and Brain Function.

The Department of Anesthesiology at UVA seeks married adults ages 35 and older whose spouses are not undergoing spinal surgery for a research study. The purpose of the study is to explore whether spouses of patients undergoing spinal surgery experience greater stress and changes in brain function compared to spouses whose partners are not having surgery. You may be eligible for this study if: 1. You and your spouse are both 35 years of age or older. 2. You are able to follow instructions in English. 3. You can refrain from using psychoactive substances, including alcohol, for 10 hours before each study visit. 4. You have not previously participated in this study. You cannot participate in this study if: • Your spouse is scheduled for surgery or has had surgery in the past year • You have any major neurological, cardiac, kidney, or liver disease • You have a history of alcohol or drug dependence • You are currently taking sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines, Ambien, antihistamines, melatonin supplements) Study involves coming to UVA for 2 study visits, each lasting approximately 1 hour. During each visit, participants will: 1. Complete a series of questionnaires 2. Provide a sample of exhaled gas by breathing into a plastic bag (for stress marker analysis). The second visit will take place 8 to 12 days after the first visit. Study-related provided at no cost. If you are interested in participating or learning more about this study, please contact the study’s CRC, Alexa Gromada, at 434-305-6966. Thank you for your interest!