How environmental toxins affect brain circuits related to psychiatric disorders.
Motivational and Cognitive Circuit Mechanisms of Environmental Toxin-Induced Risk for Psychiatric Disorders.
['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC · NIH-11060950
This study looks at how things like pollution and stress during childhood can affect the brain's ability to handle rewards and memory, especially in people facing tough economic situations, to help us understand mental health issues like depression, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| 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-11060950 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to environmental toxins and early life stress impacts brain circuits that are crucial for reward processing and working memory. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind psychiatric disorders like major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. By using animal models, the study aims to establish a causal link between these environmental factors and changes in brain circuitry. The findings could provide insights into how these exposures contribute to cognitive deficits and emotional disturbances.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds who have experienced early life stress or exposure to environmental pollutants.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of exposure to environmental toxins or early life stress may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for psychiatric disorders linked to environmental factors.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there have been other studies indicating that environmental factors can influence psychiatric outcomes.
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: HARRIS, ALEXANDER — NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC
- Study coordinator: HARRIS, ALEXANDER
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.
Conditions: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder