Pitt Worry Study

STUDY BASICS

Do you worry all the time? Do you have trouble stopping your worry, even when you want to? Are you 20-45 years old? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand how different types of mindfulness affect worry. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Many people spend a lot of time “in their heads” worrying about things that might go wrong in the future. Mindfulness is one way that people can learn to be more aware and accepting of their thoughts and feelings in the present moment, and has been shown to help some people cope with anxiety, stress, pain, and other problems. The purpose of this study is to help researchers better understand how different types of mindfulness affect thought processes involved in worrying. This is NOT a treatment study. Researchers hope their findings will improve treatment options for people with emotional disorders like anxiety and depression.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 20-45
• You are a “worrier,” or you worry about things more than most people
• Right-handed
• Native English speakers
• No non-removable metal in their body, such as a pacemaker
• No previous formal mindfulness training or practice
• Not currently taking any psychiatric medications

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

After an initial 15 minute screening that can be completed online or over the phone, qualified participants will have two study visits. During the first visit (up to 4 hours), participants will complete questionnaires and a clinical interview about anxiety and related problems. During the second visit (2 hours), participants will have an fMRI brain scan. fMRI scans are not invasive and do not involve radiation. Participants will also complete additional questionnaires at home throughout the study.