Research Opportunities

Click the link or scan the QR code for more information or to participate:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeamhXRPWQrEfvGjmnlQzzQ05A3vjChWeFzRBqmjZomktnd3A/viewform

Jason Hong from the University of the Pacific is conducting a study on Nelumbo nucifera supplements for people between ages 18-65 who believe they have a high degree of anxiety. Nelumbo nucifera, also known as lotus, has been used in traditional medicine to treat many health-related issues. Their study will investigate the anti-anxiety and sleep promoting effects of Nelumbo nucifera extracts on individuals with anxiety. This study has been approved by the University of the Pacific Institutional Review Board.

The study will last 56 days and participants would be required to meet with the researchers 2 times through Zoom (or similar) to answer questions about anxiety and sleep quality. They will also be required to wear a Fitbit watch over the 56 days each night. They will receive a free Fitbit watch for their participation. Participation is entirely voluntary, and there will be no penalty for withdrawing from the study at any time; however, those participants may have to return the Fitbit watch if they do not finish taking their supplements.

In order to participate, participants cannot be currently taking any other supplements or medications that are used to improve anxiety or sleep quality or have any acute or chronic medical conditions. Interested participants should contact the primary investigator, Jason Hong, by email at research@nelumboicor.com.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Aim: The goal of this research is to investigate racial and ethnic inequalities in obsessive-
compulsive disorder (OCD) diagnosis and treatment using an online survey. Survey responses
will help determine whether or not racial and ethnic minorities with OCD experience symptoms
for longer periods of time before receiving treatment than non-Latinx Whites. Responses will
also help identify specific barriers to OCD treatment that may differ for different racial/ethnic
groups.

Who can take part: We are inviting anyone who meets the following criteria: (1) previous or
current OCD diagnosis from a physician or mental health professional, (2) age of 18 years or
older, and (3) status as United States citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)
What we will ask you to do: We will ask participants to complete online questionnaires about
sociodemographic information, OCD treatment history, and barriers to OCD treatment. This
should take about 10 minutes. You will also have the opportunity to enter your email address if
you would like to participate in a follow-up interview to offer deeper insight into barriers to OCD
diagnosis and treatment. These interviews will be conducted via telephone to ensure
confidentiality.

Compensation: As a thank you for taking part in this study, participants who participate in the
follow-up phone interview will be entered in a drawing to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

Contact: If you have any questions, please contact Laura Smestad at lsmestad@antioch.edu.

To take part and find out more:
https://uwartsandsciences.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_20hx5W06jSd7tci

Did you know? LGBTQIA+ people are six to nine times more likely to be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than their cisgender, heterosexual peers.

Our friends in the Storch Lab at Baylor are conducting a study on OCD in the queer community. They hope their study will help inform more inclusive theories and treatment practices for LGBTQIA+ people with OCD. Please consider participating (if relevant) and sharing widely within the OCD community. Email PrideOCD@bcm.edu or access the survey directly at: https://tinyurl.com/uhsd963h

Experiences of racial microaggressions can be challenging for people, and some research has suggested they relate to obsessive compulsive symptoms. The researchers below are seeking to study the frequency of experience of racial microaggressions, obsessive compulsive symptoms, and psychological flexibility. Studying psychological flexibility can help them learn how to support people facing these experiences.

Who is eligible: People who are over age 18 and identify with at least one non-white racial identity.

What is involved: Two brief 10-15 min surveys one month apart. You can choose to participate now and then will be contacted in 1 month for the second survey.

Participants who complete 75% or more of the survey and pass all checks for spam can be entered into a raffle to win one of of 5 $25 gift cards! There will be a raffle for each time point of the survey! 

Please see below for the link to participate and for further information:

https://tinyurl.com/mentalhealthrace