Creating a tool to predict mental health issues in teens after mild brain injuries

RFA-CE-23-008, Development and Validation of a Clinical Tool to Predict Mental Health Sequelae After Mild TBI in Adolescents

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-10895954

This study is creating a helpful tool to predict mental health challenges in teens who have had mild brain injuries, so we can better support them and improve their care after they leave the emergency room.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10895954 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop and validate a clinical tool that can predict mental health problems in adolescents following mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs). The study will involve enrolling patients from multiple emergency departments and conducting follow-up evaluations over several months to assess their mental health status. By identifying those at risk for ongoing or worsening mental health issues, the research seeks to improve care and outcomes for affected adolescents. The tool will be based on self-reported measures of anxiety and depression, helping to address the significant gap in mental health care for this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents who have recently experienced a mild traumatic brain injury.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a mild traumatic brain injury or those outside the adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification and management of mental health issues in adolescents after mild TBIs, ensuring they receive appropriate care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that tools for predicting mental health outcomes in similar populations can be effective, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.