Effects of adolescent social isolation on mental health
Official title: Long-term effects of adolescent social isolation on the interactions between CRF and serotonergic systems
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11002731 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how feeling lonely as a teenager can impact the brain and lead to anxiety and depression later in life, helping us understand how early experiences with friends can affect mental health as we grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $567,566 |
| NIH project number | 5R56MH132674-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002731 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who have experienced social isolation or disrupted peer interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced social isolation or related adverse childhood experiences may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social isolation during adolescence affects brain systems related to stress and anxiety. It focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms that link early adverse experiences, like disrupted peer interactions, to the development of anxiety and depressive disorders in adulthood. By studying specific brain regions and their connections, the research aims to uncover how these experiences influence mental health later in life. The approach includes examining the role of serotonin and corticotropin-releasing factor in these processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for anxiety and depression stemming from adolescent social isolation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the neural mechanisms of stress and social experiences can lead to significant advancements in mental health treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lukkes, Jodi L — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Lukkes, Jodi L
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UCSF Prevention Center to Reduce Loneliness in older LGBTQ+ adults
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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.