How developing brain networks from birth to early adulthood shape thinking skills and mental health
Trajectories of functional brain network organization from birth to early adulthood as predictors of executive function and psychopathology
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11238553
Researchers will link how brain network changes from birth through early adulthood relate to different thinking skills and later mental health in young people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238553 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project follows people who were enrolled before birth and have had brain imaging and behavioral tests at many ages from infancy through adolescence. At about 18–19 years old, participants will be invited back for new brain scans, tests of specific executive skills (like inhibiting responses, updating memory, and shifting attention), and mental-health questionnaires. Investigators will map how brain network organization changes over time and whether those trajectories predict current or future psychiatric symptoms. The aim is to identify when and which brain markers signal higher risk so future prevention or personalized support can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents and young adults followed from birth through adolescence—especially those around 18–19 years old who can undergo an MRI and complete cognitive and mental-health testing.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment or those who cannot have an MRI (for example due to metal implants or severe claustrophobia) are unlikely to receive direct medical benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify early brain markers that help pinpoint young people at higher risk for mental health problems so they might receive earlier or more targeted support.
How similar studies have performed: Prior longitudinal imaging studies have linked brain-network development to cognition and some mental-health outcomes, but using decade-spanning data to predict multiple executive components and later psychopathology is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COHEN, JESSICA R — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: COHEN, JESSICA R
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 below.