How children's brain development relates to anxiety disorders from birth to school age
Official title: Longitudinal Development of Attention-Related Brain Networks from Birth to School-Age and Risk for Anxiety Disorders
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11047308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how children's brains develop attention skills from birth to school age, especially in kids who might be at risk for anxiety, to find early signs that could help us prevent or treat anxiety issues later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $777,315 |
| NIH project number | 2R01MH122389-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children from birth to age 8, especially those with a family history of anxiety disorders or concerning behaviors observed in infancy.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not exhibit any risk factors for anxiety disorders or are older than 8 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of brain networks related to attention in children from birth to school age, particularly focusing on those at risk for anxiety disorders. By using brain scans and behavioral assessments, the study aims to identify early differences in brain function that may contribute to anxiety. Understanding these differences could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating anxiety disorders in children. The research will follow children over time to observe how their brain networks evolve and how this relates to their emotional health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier interventions and more effective treatments for anxiety disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that early brain development can be linked to anxiety disorders, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sylvester, Chad Michael — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Sylvester, Chad Michael
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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.