CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU


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

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
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $725 + parking fees reimbursed

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).
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $700 & paid parking

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
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$245.00


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)
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $1,660

QUEST Research Study

Are you currently pregnant? Do you take medication such as methadone or buprenorphine for an opiate use disorder? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand beliefs and experiences about labor and delivery pain in women with opiate use disorder. Participation involves completing interviews and surveys. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  4 hours total over 5 days
Location LOCATION: 

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital – Oakland, by phone, & online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $50

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

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
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $625

MyPaTH Story Booth – COVID-19 Stories

Participants are invited to share how they are maintaining their health during the coronavirus pandemic, or to share what it is like being ill with COVID-19 and/or caring for a loved one who is ill with COVID-19. Participation in this research study 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:  About 45 minutes
VISITS:  No in-person visits
Location LOCATION: 

By phone
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

None

Perioperative Ketamine in Opioid-Tolerant Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgery

Do you take prescription opioid pain relievers for back pain and are you scheduled to have lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine surgery? Are you 18-65? You may be able to take part in a research study to better understand how ketamine affects pain and opioid use after surgery. Eligible participants are scheduled for surgery with Drs. Moossy, Kanter, Okonkwo, or Hamilton. Compensation 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)
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $100 & parking expenses

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


RELATED RESEARCH AREAS:
  Substance Use