How early alcohol exposure affects stress and anxiety in young people
Adolescent/young adult alcohol exposure and subsequent vulnerability to stress induced anxiety
This study looks at how drinking alcohol during the teenage years, especially before age 14, can lead to anxiety and other mental health problems later on, and it aims to help find better ways to prevent and treat these issues for young people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Durham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11074113 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of adolescent alcohol exposure on the development of stress-induced anxiety. It focuses on understanding how heavy drinking during adolescence, particularly before age 14, can lead to long-term mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The study utilizes both human and animal models to explore the biological and behavioral consequences of early alcohol use, aiming to uncover the mechanisms that link alcohol exposure to increased vulnerability to stress. By examining these relationships, the research seeks to inform better prevention and treatment strategies for affected individuals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and young adults who have a history of binge drinking or alcohol exposure.
Not a fit: Patients who have not engaged in any form of alcohol consumption during adolescence may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for young people at risk of developing anxiety and other mental health disorders due to early alcohol exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that early alcohol exposure can have lasting effects on mental health, indicating that this research builds on established findings in the field.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Durham VA Medical Center — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Healey, Kati Lynn — Durham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Healey, Kati Lynn
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.