Targeting Dopamine-Mediated Social Reward Sensitivity to Remediate Social Disconnection
University of California, San Diego
Summary
This study seeks to understand if the medication pramipexole improves social connectedness and functioning in adults (ages 18-50) who experience anxiety or depression. The study plans to enroll 108 participants total across two sites (University of California San Diego and New York State Psychiatric Institute). Pramipexole will be given in a 6-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Social reward processing will be assessed using measures of brain function (fMRI), behavior, and self-report at baseline and week 6. Knowledge gained from this study will help determine the therapeutic potential of targeting the dopamine system to remediate social disconnection as an anxiety and depression intervention.
Description
This study seeks to understand how modulating functioning of the neurotransmitter dopamine affects brain circuits, behaviors, and subjective experiences that are believed to underlie an individual's motivation to establish and maintain positive social connections. This knowledge will help advance understanding of brain mechanisms that can be used to better treat social functioning impairments in people experiencing anxiety or depression. The R61 phase project will evaluate the effects of pramipexole (a medication that increases dopamine signaling in the brain) on responses to different types o…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Clinically elevated levels of anxiety (OASIS ≥ 8) or depression or (PHQ-9 ≥ 10). 2. Moderate or greater social disability assessed with clinician-rating (SDS - Social ≥ 5). 3. Below the normative mean for temperamental reward sensitivity (ATQ - Approach \< 35). 4. Age 18-50. 5. Ability to provide written informed consent. 6. English proficiency. Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria are included to ensure that participation does not place subjects at undue risk, and to minimize confounding interpretation of our findings: 1. Current, imminent risk of suicide assessed…
Interventions
- DrugPramipexole Pill
The study drug, pramipexole, is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of Parkinson's and restless leg syndrome. Pramipexole (Mirapex) tablets are taken orally, with or without food.
- DrugPlacebo Pill
Placebo will match the study drug in mode of administration, color, size, and taste.
Locations (2)
- University of California, San DiegoSan Diego, California
- New York State Psychiatric InstituteNew York, New York