How brain development from birth to young adulthood affects thinking and mental health.

Trajectories of functional brain network organization from birth to early adulthood as predictors of executive function and psychopathology

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11049934

This study looks at how the growth of brain connections from birth to young adulthood affects thinking skills and the chances of mental health challenges, and it's for families interested in understanding how brain development can influence their child's abilities and well-being.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11049934 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the development of brain networks from birth through early adulthood influences executive function and the risk of mental health issues. By analyzing data from a long-term study that has tracked children from prenatal stages to young adulthood, the researchers aim to identify specific brain patterns that predict cognitive abilities and psychopathology. Participants will undergo assessments at various ages, focusing on the relationship between brain development and executive function skills, which are crucial for managing thoughts and behaviors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include youth aged 0 to 19 years, particularly those with varying levels of risk for psychopathology.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 0 to 19 years or those without any risk factors for psychopathology may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification of individuals at risk for mental health issues, allowing for timely interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain development and its impact on cognitive function and mental health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.