How early life stress affects brain circuits involved in emotions
Early Life Stress Effects on Ventral Hippocampal Microcircuitry during Emotional Behaviors
['FUNDING_CAREER'] · NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC · NIH-10863924
This study looks at how stress in early life affects the brain's ability to handle emotions, like anxiety and feeling down, by using animal models to see how changes in care from mothers can impact brain connections as the animals grow up, with the hope of finding new ways to help people who struggle with stress-related issues later in life.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_CAREER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10863924 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of early life stress on the brain's ventral hippocampal microcircuitry, which plays a crucial role in emotional behaviors such as anxiety and anhedonia. Using animal models, the study examines how fragmented maternal care during early development alters neural activity and connectivity in adulthood. By recording and manipulating neuronal activity, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms linking early stress to increased vulnerability for psychiatric illnesses later in life. The findings could help identify potential therapeutic targets for treating stress-related disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced significant stress during early childhood and are currently facing emotional or psychiatric challenges.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced early life stress or those with unrelated psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating anxiety and mood disorders linked to early life stress.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of early life stress on brain development and emotional regulation, indicating that this approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHANG, WEI-LI — NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC
- Study coordinator: CHANG, WEI-LI
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.