Effects of COVID-19 on the brain and behavior in adolescents

Structural, Functional, and Neurobehavioral Consequences of Adolescent COVID-19

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11060177

This study is looking at how COVID-19 might change the brains of teenagers during a key time for their development, by comparing brain scans and thinking skills before and after the pandemic to see if there are any differences related to the virus.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11060177 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how COVID-19 infection affects brain structure and function in adolescents, a critical period for cognitive development. By comparing brain imaging and cognitive data from adolescents before and after the pandemic, the study aims to identify changes in brain morphology and function linked to neuroinflammation caused by the virus. The research will utilize advanced imaging techniques to assess both structural and functional brain abnormalities and their relationship to cognitive performance and mental health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who have had a documented history of COVID-19 infection.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been infected with COVID-19 or are outside the adolescent age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for cognitive and mental health issues arising from COVID-19 in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated that viral infections can lead to neuroinflammation and cognitive changes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, acute SARS-CoV-2 infection

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.