Targeting Dopamine-Mediated Social Reward Sensitivity to Remediate Social Disconnection
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.
• Clinically elevated levels of anxiety (OASIS ≥ 8) or depression or (PHQ-9 ≥ 10).
• Moderate or greater social disability assessed with self-rating (SDS - Social ≥ 5).
• Below the normative mean for temperamental reward sensitivity (ATQ - Approach \< 32).
• Age 18-50.
• Ability to provide written informed consent.
• English proficiency.