Early brain development in kids of mothers with depression in different income settings
Official title: Early brain development in children born to depressed mothers in high and low income settings
Funded at University of Cape Town · NIH-11367490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant follows children up to age 6 to see how early brain growth varies for those born to mothers with depression, comparing high- and low-income settings in Africa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cape Town NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rondebosch, South Africa) |
| Project start | September 9, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $362,935 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131022-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children from birth to 6 years, whose mothers experienced depression in pregnancy or early life, in South Africa and similar settings.
✕Less likely to help
Children without exposure to maternal depression or not within the studied age range may not experience direct benefit.
What this research studies
Two early-career researchers from South Africa will combine data from six large groups to track brain growth in children from birth to 6 years old. They will use repeated brain imaging to map regional brain development and network integration, focusing on the amygdala and related structures. The study aims to identify when and how early brain development relates to later mental health risk in exposed children, with lessons applicable in both rich and poorer settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform timing and targets for prevention efforts to support mental health in children exposed to maternal depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests maternal mood can influence early brain development, but this project combines multiple cohorts for a more comprehensive view.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cape Town
Rondebosch, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Groenewold, Nynke — University of Cape Town
- Study coordinator: Groenewold, Nynke
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.