Anxiety or Depression Research Study
Our research team at UC San Diego is conducting a study to learn more about the therapeutic potential of a medication to improve social connectedness and well-being.
Fast Facts
Anxiety or Depression
18-50 Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in San Diego, CA
Study Background
We’re looking for people ages 18-50 who are experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression.
We are studying whether a medication that increases dopamine may be helpful for improving social connectedness and well-being by increasing a person’s motivation, interest, and feelings of pleasure.
Results of this study may help inform a new treatment approach that works differently than current medications for anxiety and depression. Eventually, we hope that these findings will contribute to better treatments for anxiety and depression. See if you are eligible to participate today!
Study Background
We’re looking for people ages 18-50 who are experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression.
We are studying whether a medication that increases dopamine may be helpful for improving social connectedness and well-being by increasing a person’s motivation, interest, and feelings of pleasure.
Results of this study may help inform a new treatment approach that works differently than current medications for anxiety and depression. Eventually, we hope that these findings will contribute to better treatments for anxiety and depression. See if you are eligible to participate today!
Additional Information
The research medication increases activity in parts of the brain involved in motivation and behavior. It has improved depression symptoms in some studies, including symptoms of diminished motivation, interest, and pleasure. We are studying this medication because it is thought to work in a different way than currently available FDA-approved medications for anxiety and depression, which tend to only be partially effective. We hope that it will help people experiencing anxiety or depression by improving social connectedness and functioning.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria. Other criteria may also apply.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18-50 years old
- Experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression
- Not currently taking medications for anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric symptoms
- Able to have an MRI scan (i.e., not claustrophobic, no metal in the body)
- Not pregnant or breastfeeding
- No history of bipolar or psychotic disorders
- No history of major neurological disorder or moderate to severe traumatic brain injury
- No major medical conditions (e.g., cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, respiratory, endocrine, neurologic, or hematologic disease; history of seizure disorder)
- No substance use disorder within the last 6 months
- No current use of stimulants (e.g., amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine)
- No use of dopamine agonist drugs within the last 6 months (e.g. ropinirole, apomorphine, rotigotine)
- Fluent in English
Participation in this study will begin with an initial screening interview and medical assessment to determine your eligibility.
If you are eligible, study assessments will include questionnaires, brain imaging (fMRI), and behavioral tasks.
At the baseline visit, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the study medication or placebo (an inactive substance), which you will be asked to take twice daily for six weeks. Two-thirds of participants will receive the study medication and one third will receive placebo.
Some visits will occur at UC San Diego (La Jolla); other visits will be remote (phone or videocall).
At the end of treatment, your study drug will be discontinued over several weeks. You will complete a final follow-up session with the study physician and be referred for additional care as appropriate. All participants will be provided with a listing of community-based resources designed to improve or maintain well-being.
As a participant, you can receive up to $300 for your time and effort.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
