Pain in the Brain Study
STUDY BASICS
Are you 18-24 years old and have no history of any psychiatric disorders? You may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about how physical pain and emotional pain may be related in the brain. Compensation is provided.
STUDY PURPOSE
The purpose of this research study is to learn about how physical pain and emotional pain may be related in the brain. Researchers hope their findings may lead to better interventions for people experiencing thoughts or behaviors related to self-harm in the future.
COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
- Ages 18-24
- Have never been diagnosed with any psychiatric disorders
- Have never had any suicidal thoughts
- Have never injured yourself on purpose
WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT
The study involves online interviews, four phone calls, and an MRI scan. At certain times during the MRI scan, participants will experience brief pain in the finger via electrical nerve stimulation.
IRB: STUDY19070448C
- Neural markers of NSSI and Suicide Risk: Acute Physical Pain Modulation of Neural Processing of Social RejectionMEET THE RESEARCHER

Caroline Oppenheimer
Caroline Oppenheimer, PhD, is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. After earning a PhD in Clinical Child Psychology from the University of Denver in 2014, Dr. Oppenheimer moved to Pittsburgh to complete a clinical psychology internship at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC. Dr. Oppenheimer has research and clinical experience working with children and adolescents, and her current research focuses on predicting risk for mood problems in young people.