Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most widespread types of anxiety disorder. SAD begins early in life and affects 2.5 million Canadians in one year. It can result in a variety of co-occurring conditions such as depression and substance use disorder. To better understand the causes of SAD, it is important to further investigate the brain biology of SAD, and develop new and effective treatments.
For this study, we are looking for individuals aged 18 to 40 years old who currently experience social anxiety disorder. We will use brain imaging techniques, including PET (positron emission tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans to observe and study whether an important brain network, the endocannabinoid system, contributes to SAD. This will help us learn more about the biological mechanisms of this condition and also potentially guide development of new treatment options.
The study includes:
- A pre-screening phone call (approximately 25 minutes)
- A screening assessment visit (approximately 4 hours)
- One MRI scan (approximately 3 hours)
- One PET scan (approximately 4 hours)
- Cognitive tests (approximately 1 hour)
- Take home questionnaires (approximately 1 hour)
To be eligible, volunteers must meet the following criteria:
- be 18 - 40 years old
- experience extreme shyness or anxiety in social settings / in front of others
- no current substance use disorders
- no blood clotting disorder or use of anticoagulant medication
- no unstable medical condition
- no neurological illness (seizures, epilepsy) or head trauma
- no metal implants in body
- not pregnant / breastfeeding
- not claustrophobic
- not exposed to radiation in the past 12 months exceeding the permissible limit for subjects participating in research