Skip to main content
Department of Psychiatry Department of Psychiatry
  1. HOME
  2. Research
  3. Programs, Centers & Labs
  4. PEARL
  5. Research
  6. Current Studies

Current Studies

Interested in participating in one of our studies?

We are currently recruiting for two studies.

Social Anxiety Study

We are currently seeking volunteers for this study.

Do you feel shy? Struggling with social anxiety?

If you get anxious in social situations or being the center of attention, you may qualify for our research study! Our research team at UC San Diego is exploring the effect of an investigational oral medication when used on demand to treat symptoms of social anxiety.

This study includes:

  • Up to $375 of compensation
  • 2-3 in-person appointments at UCSD
  • A single dose of an investigational oral medication to treat symptoms of social anxiety

If you are interested in participating in our study, please fill out this pre-screen survey to determine your initial eligibility. Additional questions can be directed to our team at PEARLpsych.ucsd.edu or (858)534-6407.

Social Connectedness Study

We are currently seeking volunteers for this study.

Feeling anxious, depressed, or disconnected? Unmotivated or socially isolated?

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!

 If you are interested in participating in our study, please fill out this pre-screen survey to determine your initial eligibility.

Cannabidiol (CBD) Anxiety Study

Recruitment for this study has ended.

Our research team at UC San Diego conducted a study on volunteers with social anxiety to learn more about how cannabidiol (CBD) – a non-intoxicating part of the cannabis plant – affects biological and stress responses believed to underlie anxiety disorders. Results of this study may help determine the therapeutic potential of CBD for anxiety.