How anxiety and depression risk affects emotional brain development in young children
Official title: A computational model for how risk for anxiety and depression influences affective neurodevelopment
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10923319 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how anxiety and depression in young kids, from babies to age 11, can affect their emotional growth and how their feelings interact with how caregivers respond, helping us find the best times to support their mental health as they grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $388,750 |
| NIH project number | 1DP5OD037370-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923319 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who exhibit signs of negative affect or emotional distress.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not show any signs of emotional distress or negative affect may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the risk of anxiety and depression in young children (ages 0-11) influences their emotional brain development. It focuses on the interaction between children's negative emotions and caregiver responses, exploring how these dynamics shape the brain's ability to process and regulate emotions. By using computational models, the study aims to understand the neural mechanisms involved in this process and how they may contribute to future mental health outcomes. The research seeks to identify critical periods during which interventions could be most effective in promoting healthy emotional development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing anxiety and depression in children by enhancing emotional development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between emotional development and caregiver interactions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Camacho, Maria Catalina — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Camacho, Maria Catalina
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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.