How estrogen affects psychotic-like experiences during adolescence
Official title: Estrogen and Mechanisms of Psychotic-like Experiences in the Transition to Adolescence
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-10998688 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how rising estrogen levels during puberty might affect the way girls experience thoughts and feelings that could lead to psychosis, helping us understand early signs of vulnerability during this important time of growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $225,621 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH136408-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998688 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are biological females aged 8 to 20 who are experiencing or at risk for psychotic-like experiences during their transition to adolescence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not biological females or those outside the age range of 8 to 20 may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of estrogen in the development of psychotic-like experiences as individuals transition from childhood to adolescence. It focuses on biological females, examining how rising estrogen levels during puberty may influence the onset of psychosis and related cognitive functions. The study aims to explore these mechanisms longitudinally, providing insights into how hormonal changes interact with brain development during this critical period. By understanding these processes, the research seeks to identify early indicators of psychosis vulnerability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and early intervention strategies for psychotic disorders in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: While the estrogen hypothesis has been discussed in prior literature, this research takes a novel longitudinal approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mittal, Vijay a — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Mittal, Vijay a
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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.