The Program of Anxiety, Stress, and OCD, PASO, is a clinical research program committed to understanding the causes, consequences and associated features of anxiety and OC Spectrum disorders.
Our primary focus is on understanding the mechanisms and integrative risk models that predict symptoms, explain associated features and help inform treatments across the anxiety and obsessive compulsive (OC) spectrums. The non-clinical features of these phenomena are part of the normal human experience; however, within the clinical end of the continuum they represent a significant public health burden and are associated with great personal and societal costs. We therefore see a clear need to further investigate the phenomenology, causes and maintenance factors of these disorders.
Research endeavors at the Program for Anxiety, Stress & OCD bridge various sub-disciplines of psychology within a translational research framework, including clinical psychology, molecular genetics, and social psychology. Both experimental and applied approaches are used, including examinations of biological factors such as genetics, experimental techniques, eye-tracking methodology, along with prevention and treatment outcome research.
Currently, Dr. Kiara Timpano is conducting research on a number of vulnerability factors for obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), compulsive hoarding, and other anxiety disorders. In particular she is interested in genetic factors within the BDNF and serotonin system, as well as cognitive vulnerabilities such as anxiety sensitivity and distress tolerance that may influence an individual's reaction to anxiety or OC symptoms. A related line of research examines the role of stress and/or trauma as causal agents and/or maintaining factors in OCD and hoarding. Finally, we are also investigating postpartum OCD, by exploring how knowledge about risk factors can help in the development of clinical prevention and treatment interventions.
For more information you may reach a PASO intake coordinator between 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday at (305) 284-5394 or by email at [email protected]. Our intake coordinators can provide general information about current studies and complete brief phone assessments. Calls and emails received after-hours or on weekends will not be returned until the next business day.
Our Physical Address is:
Program for Anxiety, Stress & OCD
Building 37D, first floor
1204 Dickenson Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
PASO is located in the Department of Psychology at the University of Miami, Building 37. We are only a short walk from the University Station Metrorail stop. Parking is available at metered parking spots along Dickenson Drive and in the Ponce de Leon parking garage (second level) attached to the Flipse Building.
Our Mailing Address is:
Program for Anxiety, Stress & OCD
5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33146-0751
