BRAINY Study

Dr. Cecile Ladouceur and her research team at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a research study to investigate the effects of puberty on brain functioning and anxiety in adolescents (ages 10-13). This is a longitudinal study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. This study has 5 time points over the course of 2 years. Study procedures include adolescents being interviewed by a trained researcher about their moods and behaviors, completing a pubertal status assessment, providing hormone specimens (e.g., saliva and hair samples), completing computerized tasks during an fMRI brain scan, completing a speech task, and answering questionnaires. Adolescents who take part in this study and their families will be compensated for participation. Click here for more information, or email us at brainystudy@pitt.edu. 

Worry and the Brain Study

Dr. Cecile Ladouceur, Dr. Carmen Andreescu, Dr. Tamer Ibrahim and their research team at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a research study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health to examine brain function associated with worry and worry regulation in adolescents (age 12-17) and young adults (age 18-30). The study includes a one time 3-hour visit. Study procedures include participants being interviewed by a trained researcher about their day-to-day worries, answering questionnaires, and completing computerized tasks during an fMRI brain scan. Adolescents and their parent and adults who participate in the study will be compensated for their participation. For more information contact Diya Goyal at goyaldp@upmc.edu.

MBA Study

Dr. Cecile Ladouceur and Dr. Rasim Diler and their research team at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a research study to identify early markers of depression in adolescence. This is a longitudinal study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. The study has 5 time points over the course of 2 years. Study procedures include adolescents being interviewed by a trained researcher about moods and behaviors, completing computerized tasks during an fMRI brain scan, answering questionnaires, and a few two-week long at-home assessments (completing short daily questionnaires and wearing a wrist device similar to a pedometer). Adolescents who take part in this study and their families will be compensated for participation. To find out more information, visit the study’s website.

Other Research

To find out about other research opportunities, visit Pediatric PittNet and Pitt+Me.