CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU


Brain Imaging Study for Current/Past Heroin Users

Are you 18-45 years old and currently have, or have had in the past, a problem with heroin use? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to help researchers examine the role of a protein used by the brain to pass messages between cells. Study includes interviews, and MRI, PET, and CT scanning. Eligible participants must be medication-free (birth control OK). Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 45

Duration VISITS:  At least 3 visits
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Presbyterian & Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC).


MyPaTH Story Booth – COVID-19 Stories

Participants are invited to share how they are maintaining their own health during the coronavirus pandemic or to share what it is like being ill with coronavirus, and/or caring for a loved one who is ill. Participation involves one 45-minute session that takes place over the phone. Eligible participants must be able to read and understand English.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  45 minutes
Location LOCATION:  By phone


Neuro Study

Do you regularly use cannabis and are aged 19-55? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to help better understand how chronic cannabis use affects brain activity and mental functioning. Participation involves 2-3 visits with MEG and MRI scanning.

Age Range
AGE:   19 - 55

Duration DURATION:  About 2 weeks
VISITS:  2 visits
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh


OPTI-Mom Study

Are you less than 25 weeks pregnant and dependent on opioids? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study that is testing a patient navigation service, like a health coach, to help you identify your health, mental health, and social needs during and after your pregnancy. Involves up to 14 visits over 11 months. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  11 months
VISITS:  Up to 14 visits
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital


Brain/Dopamine Imaging Study – Cocaine Users

Cocaine users between 18-40 years old needed for a brain imaging research study. Participation involves questionnaires, interviews, and brain scanning (1 MRI and 2 PET scans). Study conducted over a period of 1 month. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 40

Duration DURATION:  1 Month
VISITS:  Multiple

Location LOCATION:  UPMC Presbyterian


Brain Imaging in Heroin Users

Do you currently use heroin, or have you recently used heroin? Are you between the ages of 18-40 years old? If so, you may be able to take part in a research study to help learn more about the role of a protein in people with opioid use disorders. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 40

Duration DURATION:  1 month
VISITS:  About 4 visits
Location LOCATION:  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) and UPMC Presbyterian Hospital


Cocaine Users – CRF-NOP Brain Imaging Study

Cocaine users between 18-50 years old are needed for a brain imaging research study to help learn more about the role of a protein in cocaine use. Participation involves questionnaires, interviews, brain scanning (1 MRI and 2 PET scans), and the administration of intravenous hydrocortisone. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 50

Duration DURATION:  4-6 months
VISITS:  At least 3 visits
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (Oakland)


Perioperative Ketamine in Opioid-Tolerant Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgery

Are you 18-65, scheduled to have lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine surgery, and take opioid prescriptions for back pain? You may be able to help investigate the impact of surgical and recovery use of the drug ketamine on pain and opioid use after surgery. Eligible participants are scheduled for surgery with either Dr. Moossy, Dr. Kanter, Dr. Okonkwo, or Dr. Hamilton. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 65

Duration DURATION:  Up to 6 weeks
VISITS:  2 study visits and 2 standard-of-care visits
Location LOCATION:  Posner Pain Clinic in the Aiken Medical Building (Shadyside) & UPMC Neurosurgery Clinic (Oakland)


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.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  45 minutes
VISITS:  1 visit or phone call
Location LOCATION:  By phone


Neuro HIV Study

Are you living with HIV and do you regularly use cannabis? Are you aged 19-55? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to help better understand how chronic cannabis use affects brain activity and mental functioning. Participation involves 2-3 visits with MEG and MRI scanning.

Age Range
AGE:   19 - 55

Duration DURATION:  About 2 weeks
VISITS:  2 visits
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh


PrEP OTP Study

Are you currently attending an opioid treatment program? Have you used injection drugs within the last 6 months? You may be able to take part in a research study to help better understand patients’ perspectives on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. This study involves a one-hour long telephone interview. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  About 1 hour
VISITS:  1 phone call (no in-person visits)
Location LOCATION:  By phone


MAPS Research Study – Teens Age 18

Are you an 18 year old who has been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or substance use disorder? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to help find out if smartphone technology can be used to better understand suicidal thoughts and behaviors in high-risk teens. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18

Duration DURATION:  6 months
VISITS:  1 visit + 3 phone calls
Location LOCATION:  Bellefield Towers - Oakland



RELATED RESEARCH AREAS:
  Substance Use