Welcome to the Anxiety Studies Page

CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU

Threat Dysregulation in Adolescents at Risk for Psychosis – Healthy 18-20 years old

Are you a healthy 18-20 year-old young person who has no history of any psychiatric, drug use, or alcohol use disorder? You may be able to join a research study to learn more about why some young people experience symptoms such as hearing or seeing things that others do not, having beliefs which others do not share, and/or having other unusual experiences. Compensation is provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 6 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 12 months (baseline visit, 6 month, and 12 month)

VISITS: 3 in-person visit and activities from home

Location

LOCATION: By Phone, Online, & 230 McKee Place - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: up to $825

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

MyPaTH Story Booth 2.0

Interested in sharing your story about health, illness, or research? Patients and caregivers are needed to participate in a research study to help learn more about topics that are important to you and that may improve health and health care. Participation involves one 45-minute session that takes place over the phone. Eligible participants must be able to read and understand English.

And 155 more areas

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

DURATION: 45 minutes

VISITS: 1 visit or phone call

Location

LOCATION: By phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: NONE

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

MyPaTH Story Booth: Amplifying African American Voices and Healthcare Experiences

In follow-up of Black History Month, the Story Booth team is putting a special focus on stories from African American storytellers over the next 90 days. We would like to invite patients, caregivers, and health care providers to share their experiences regarding accessing health care. Your voices can empower change to research, patient-centered care, and most importantly, your community.

And 155 more areas

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

DURATION: 45 minutes

VISITS: 1 phone call

Compensation

COMPENSATION: NONE

Sleep Enhancement Research Study

Do you experience poor sleep? Do you have symptoms of anxiety and depression? You may be able to participate in a research study examining the effect of acoustic stimulation during sleep in young adults with a range of anxiety and depression symptoms. Compensation is provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 4 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 4-7 weeks

VISITS: 4 in-person visits (including 2 overnight visits)

Location

LOCATION: University of Pittsburgh – Center for Sleep and Circadian Science

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $530

RAW-The Effect of Rumination, Anxiety, and Worry on Aging and Dementia Risk (High Worry) Study

Are you over the age of 50 and interested in participating in a research study that will examine how anxiety and worry contribute to aspects of aging, including brain and body aging, as well as risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The results of this study will help us design therapies that address individual needs of older people with anxiety

Bipolar Disorder

And 13 more areas

Age Range

AGE: 50 or over

Duration

DURATION: 2 years

VISITS: 5 visits

Location

LOCATION: Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $300

All of Us Pennsylvania Research Program

All of Us wants at least one million people to join. Your participation can help shape the future of health for generations to come. People who join will share information. This might be about their health, habits, and what it’s like where they live. It might also be about family history and genes. By looking for patterns, researchers may learn more about what affects people’s health.

And 152 more areas

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

VISITS: one in person visit

Location

LOCATION: Convenient locations throughout Pennsylvania

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $25.00 gift card

Digital Mindfulness for Adolescents with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Young adults 18-24

Are you 18 to 24 years old? Have you been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? Carnegie Mellon University is currently recruiting participants for a research study testing whether a 2-week digital mindfulness program can be beneficial for adolescents diagnosed with IBS. Compensation is provided.

Other Digestive System

Stress Reduction

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 16 days

VISITS: 2 online surveys

Location

LOCATION: Online & At home

Compensation

COMPENSATION: up to $110

Chronic Low Back Pain with Mood Symptoms Study

Have you had chronic low back pain for at least six months and also have depression or anxiety symptoms? Are you aged 18-75? You may be able to participate in a research study to compare antidepressant medication and physical therapy for people with chronic low back who also have anxiety and depression symptoms. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

And 3 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 8 months

VISITS: 6-12 visits in the first 4 months

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Pain Medicine Clinic - Shadyside, Online, & by Phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $220 & public transportation reimbursement

Thinking in the Real World and the Brain (TReW Brain) Study

Are you 20-45 years old? Does it sometimes feel like you have a hard time turning off your brain (having thoughts that play over and over again in your mind)? You may be able to participate in a study that aims to understand how certain kinds of thoughts change brain activity and real world experiences. Study procedures involve completing an interview and an fMRI scan. Compensation is provided.

Other Brain and Nervous System

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: Approximately 3-6 weeks

Location

LOCATION: Sennott Square or via Zoom & Pitt-CMU BRIDGE Center - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $377

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

SOVA Study for Adults with Depression/Anxiety

Are you an adult age 18-26 who is currently experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, or has in the past? If so, you may be able to help researchers build an online peer support community for depressed and anxious young adults. This study is done entirely online.

Remote Research

Age Range

AGE: 18 - 26

Duration

DURATION: Up to participant

Location

LOCATION: Online

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Blogging ambassadors will be compensated

RISE Study - Coping with Loss in Elders

Are you 65 or older? Have you lost a spouse or partner in the past year? You may be eligible for a research study to understand the link between social connections and mood after losing a loved one. Compensation is provided.

Other Mental Health and Behavior

Age Range

AGE: 65 and older

Duration

DURATION: 12 months

VISITS: 7 visits

Location

LOCATION: virtual or in person

Compensation

COMPENSATION: up to $405

Personality, Affect, Interactions, and Risk for Suicide (PAIRS) Study - Control Arm

Are you between the ages of 18-35? Do you have no history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors? You may be able to participate in a study to understand how certain types of social interactions influence mood, decision-making, and biological responses that may contribute to risk for suicidal behaviors among young adults. Compensation is provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 5 more areas

Age Range

Gender List

SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH: Male

Duration

DURATION: 4 months

VISITS: 3 visits (2 remote and 1 in-person)

Location

LOCATION: Oakland and virtually

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $105

Personality, Affect, Interactions, and Risk for Suicide (PAIRS) Study

Are you between the ages of 18-35? You may be able to participate in a study to understand how certain types of social interactions influence mood, decision-making, and biological responses that may contribute to risk for suicidal behaviors among young adults.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 4 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 4 months

VISITS: 3 visits (2 remote and 1 in-person)

Location

LOCATION: Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $105

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

Research Study on Communication and Understanding in Behavioral Health

Are you 18? Have you had experience managing your mental wellness and/or interacting with behavioral health care providers? You may be eligible to participate in a research study to understand the communication between patients and their providers and how that interaction affects understanding and participation in behavioral health.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 7 more areas

Age Range

AGE: 18 and older

Duration

DURATION: up to 40 minutes

Location

LOCATION: Online

Compensation

COMPENSATION: NONE

Threat Dysregulation in Adolescents at Risk for Psychosis - 18 - 20 year olds

Are you 18-20 years old and having unusual or extraordinary experiences such as hearing voices, having beliefs that other people do not share, or having difficulties concentrating and thinking clearly? You may be able to join a research study to learn more about why some young people develop these symptoms while others do not. Compensation is provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 4 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 12 months (baseline visit, 6 month, and 12 month)

VISITS: 3 in-person visit and activities from home

Location

LOCATION: By Phone, Online, & 230 McKee Place - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: up to $825

DAYLight - Adults 18-30

Are you 18 - 30 years old and experiencing depression? You may be eligible to participate in a research study to test the effects of bright light on mood and circadian function. Compensation provided.

Other Mental Health and Behavior

Stress Reduction

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: Two Weeks

VISITS: 2 visits

Location

LOCATION: Online, Western Psychiatric Hospital, and UPMC Presbyterian Hospital – Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: up to $200

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

Mental Health Literacy and Treatment-seeking Behaviors in Youth - Young Adult Arm

Are you in 8th-12th grade? Do you identify as Black? You may be able to participate in a research study examining mental health literacy and treatment-seeking behaviors of Black youth. This study involves completing one online survey to better understand your understanding of mental health illness and what can be done to help other youth feel more comfortable seeking mental health treatment.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 5 more areas

Age Range

AGE: 18 years old

Compensation

COMPENSATION: NONE

Panda Study – Ages 18

Are you 18 years old and enrolled in high school? Do you identify as LGBQ+? You may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about how social experiences, including difficult social experiences, impact brain function in ways that may contribute to depression. Eligible participants are willing and able to undergo MRI scanning and are right-handed.

Healthy Volunteer

Other Mental Health and Behavior

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 6 months

VISITS: 3 visits

Location

LOCATION: Loeffler Building & UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $180 + parking/travel expenses

Pitt Biomarker for Healthy vs. Anxious Development Study – 18-26 year olds with GAD

Are you 18-26 years old? Have you been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)? You may be able to participate in a study to help uncover differences in brain development associated with GAD. Eligible participants will complete a brain MRI scan while doing tasks that engage different brain areas or at rest. Compensation is provided.

Other Mental Health and Behavior

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: Approximately 2 weeks

Location

LOCATION: Oxford Building & Biomedical Science Tower - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $100

BEaM Study - Parent with a history of depression or bipolar disorder

Have you ever experienced symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder? Are you the biological parent of a child aged 11-14 who has mood swings, but doesn’t have bipolar disorder? You and your child may be able to participate in a research study to assess the effects of two group-based interventions on emotions and mood among adolescents with a family risk for mood disorders.

Bipolar Disorder

And 6 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: up to 13 months

VISITS: 1 virtual visit, >5 in-person visits

Location

LOCATION: Online, Oakland and Shadyside

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Yes

BEaM Study - Parent

Are you the parent of a child 11-14? Does your child have a biological parent or full biological sibling who has ever experienced symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder? You and your child may be able to participate in a research study to assess the effects of two group-based interventions on emotions and mood in adolescents with a family risk for mood disorders.

Bipolar Disorder

And 8 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: up to 13 months

VISITS: 1 virtual visit, >5 in-person visits

Location

LOCATION: Online, Oakland and Shadyside

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Yes

Familial Pathways Study (FamPath): The Role of Inflammation and Stress in Youth Suicidal Behavior

Are you 18-30 years old and currently have depressive symptoms? You may be eligible to participate in a study to learn more about the role of biological markers of suicidality that may run in families and brain inflammation in suicidal behavior in young adults. Studies suggest increased inflammation is associated with suicidal behavior. Compensation provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 5 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 12 months

VISITS: 4 visits

Location

LOCATION: Oakland - Bellefield Towers

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $750

Pain in the Brain Study for Individuals with Suicidal Thoughts and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

Have you recently had suicidal thoughts and engaged in non-suicidal self-injury, such as cutting? Are you aged 18-24? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand why some people harm themselves on purpose and to learn more about how physical pain and emotional pain may be related in the brain. Compensation provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorders

And 1 more area

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 4 months

VISITS: 1 in-person & 1 remote

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Online, and By Phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $170

Pain in the Brain Study for Individuals with Suicidal Thoughts

Have you recently had suicidal thoughts and are aged 18-24? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand why some people think about suicide and to learn more about how physical pain and emotional pain may be related in the brain. Eligible participants have never injured themselves on purpose. Compensation provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Other Mental Health and Behavior

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 4 months

VISITS: 1 in-person & 1 remote

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Online, and By Phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $170

BRAINY Study – Parents of 10-13 year olds

Are you the parent of a 10-12 year old girl or an 11-13 year old boy? Your child may be able to participate in a study to learn more about the effects of puberty on brain development and anxiety in teenagers. Participation involves interviews and questionnaires, an fMRI scan, and providing hair and saliva samples. Compensation is provided.

Age Range

AGE: Parents (Ages 18+) of 10-13 year olds

Gender List

SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH: Female, Male

Duration

DURATION: Approximately 2 years

VISITS: 4 in-person, online questionnaires every 6 months

Location

LOCATION: Loeffler Building & Biomedical Science Tower – Oakland & online or by phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Yes

Compulsive Behaviors Study

Are you 18-60 years old? Do you often feel the need to complete unwanted, repetitive behaviors like checking, washing, picking, reassurance seeking, etc.? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand brain patterns involved in compulsive behaviors and to measure the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on compulsive behaviors. Compensation provided.

Other Mental Health and Behavior

Age Range

AGE: 18 - 60

Duration

DURATION: 4-5 weeks

VISITS: 4 visits

Location

LOCATION: Loeffler Building (Oakland)

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $300

DYADS Study – Cisgender Heterosexual Individuals Ages 18-30

Are you a heterosexual cisgender (that is, not transgender) individual age 18-30? Have you experienced suicidal thoughts in the past 6 months? You may be able to participate in a study of emotions and experiences in young adults. Eligible participants must have a close friend who would be willing to participate in two brief lab visits. Compensation is provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Other Mental Health and Behavior

Age Range

Gender List

SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH: Female, Male

Duration

DURATION: Approximately 6 months

VISITS: 2 virtual visits and 2 in-person visits

Location

LOCATION: Loeffler Building, Sennott Square, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital – Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $815 & $25 for friend

DYADS Study – Individuals who identify as LGBTQ+

Are you 18-30 years old and identify as LGBTQ+ (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning)? Have you experienced suicidal thoughts in the past 6 months? You may be able to participate in a study of emotions and experiences in young adults. Eligible participants must have a close friend who would be willing to participate in two brief lab tasks. Compensation is provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Other Mental Health and Behavior

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: Approximately 6 months

VISITS: 2 virtual visits and 2 in-person visits

Location

LOCATION: Loeffler Building, Sennott Square, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital – Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $815 & $25 for friend

The Personality Study

Are you 22-60 years old? Do you frequently experience irritability, anger, frustration or other negative emotions? You may be able to participate in a study to help examine personality and decision-making. Study procedures involve interviews and questionnaires, games, and possible fMRI scanning. Compensation is provided.

Other Mental Health and Behavior

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: Between 3-5 hours

VISITS: Up to 2

Location

LOCATION: Bellefield Towers, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, and/or Online and via Videoconference

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $100 & $5 per visit for transportation costs

Decision Making Study for Anxious Individuals

Are you 22-55 years old and often feel anxious and on edge? You may be able to participate in a research study to learn about decision-making processes in people with and without symptoms of anxiety. This study involves completing questionnaires and interviews, playing computer games, and reporting on behaviors using a smartphone. Some procedures may be completed remotely. Compensation provided.

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: Up to 6 months

VISITS: 1-3

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital & Bellfield Towers - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $170 & up $5 per visit for parking/bus fare

RELATED RESEARCH AREAS:

Mental Health and Behavior