Exploring depression risks in multiracial Americans
Official title: Understanding Depression risk in Multiracial Americans: A Social Safety Approach
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11069086 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why multiracial adults might experience higher rates of major depression compared to those who identify with just one race, focusing on how feeling less connected to their racial identity could make them more vulnerable, and it aims to find ways to improve mental health support for these individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $43,982 |
| NIH project number | 1R36MH139265-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069086 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are multiracial adults who may be experiencing symptoms of depression or are at risk for developing major depressive episodes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who identify with a single racial category or those who do not experience mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the unique risk factors contributing to higher rates of major depression among multiracial adults compared to those identifying with a single racial category. It aims to understand how lower levels of racial identity affirmation may lead to increased vulnerability to depression. The study will utilize advanced epidemiological methods to analyze data and identify barriers to effective mental health interventions for this population. By addressing these issues, the research seeks to pave the way for future studies and interventions aimed at reducing mental health disparities in multiracial individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions tailored specifically for multiracial individuals, potentially reducing rates of depression in this population.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting multiracial populations, studies on mental health disparities in diverse racial groups have shown promising results, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forthal, Sarah Lily Makda — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Forthal, Sarah Lily Makda
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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.