High School Depression Research Study
Researchers in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh are inviting teens who are currently in high school to participate in the Parents/Peers, Adversity, and Neural circuits in Depression among Adolescents (PANDA) research study.
Fast Facts
Identify as a Sexual Orientation Other Than Heterosexual
Ages 14-18 and Currently in High School
Compensation Provided
Conducted in
Pittsburgh, PA
Study Background
Join the PANDA Study!
The purpose of this research study is to understand how social experiences contribute to, or protect against, depression in sexual minority youth.
Participation in this study involves 3 visits (2 virtual and 1 in-person), involving an online clinical interview, undergoing an fMRI scan, and answering questions. fMRI is a touch-free type of brain scan that uses radio waves (not radiation), a magnet, and a computer to help understand brain mechanisms better.
Help us learn more about teenage mental health! Join our study today.
Study Background
Join the PANDA Study!
The purpose of this research study is to understand how social experiences contribute to, or protect against, depression in sexual minority youth.
Participation in this study involves 3 visits (2 virtual and 1 in-person), involving an online clinical interview, undergoing an fMRI scan, and answering questions. fMRI is a touch-free type of brain scan that uses radio waves (not radiation), a magnet, and a computer to help understand brain mechanisms better.
Help us learn more about teenage mental health! Join our study today.
Additional Information
The goal of the PANDA research study is learning more about how social factors influence depression in teens ages 14-18.
You or your teen may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 14-18 and currently in high school
- Identify as a sexual orientation other than heterosexual or are questioning
- No history of head injury, neurological, pervasive developmental disorder, or serious medical disease and treatment
- Able to undergo an MRI (no non-removable metal on or in your body, no severe claustrophobia)
- No daily nicotine use
- Not currently pregnant
- Identify as cis-gender
- No diagnosis of bipolar or psychotic disorder
- No history of alcohol/substance use disorder or illicit substance use (except cannabis) over the last 3 months
If you are eligible, your participation will involve two virtual visits and one in-person visit:
- Questionnaires
- Clinical interview
- fMRI scan
Participants who successfully complete all study procedures will be compensated up to $180 (+ travel expenses).
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
