How anxiety and depression risk affects emotional brain development in young children

A computational model for how risk for anxiety and depression influences affective neurodevelopment

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-10923319

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

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10923319 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who exhibit signs of negative affect or emotional distress.

Not a fit: Children who do not show any signs of emotional distress or negative affect may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

SAINT LOUIS, 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 →

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.