Effects of early-life antipsychotic treatment on brain development
Official title: Brain Development after Early-Life Antipsychotic Treatment
Funded at Northern Kentucky University · NIH-11060960 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how taking antipsychotic medications early in life might impact brain development and behavior as kids grow up, especially for those treated for mental health issues, and it also gives college students a chance to learn through hands-on research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern Kentucky University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Highland Heights, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $137,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149498-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060960 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children who have been prescribed antipsychotic medications for psychiatric conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been treated with antipsychotic medications or those with unrelated psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how early exposure to antipsychotic medications affects brain development and behavior later in life. The study focuses on children who have been treated with these medications for psychiatric disorders and aims to understand the long-term consequences of such treatments. By using animal models, the researchers will examine changes in brain function and responses to drugs of abuse, providing insights into potential risks associated with early antipsychotic use. The research also emphasizes involving undergraduate students in the scientific process, enhancing their educational experience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and guidelines for the safe use of antipsychotic medications in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that early exposure to antipsychotic drugs can lead to significant behavioral changes, suggesting that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bardgett, Mark Edward — Northern Kentucky University
- Study coordinator: Bardgett, Mark Edward
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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.