How insecticide exposure affects ADHD risk in adolescents
Official title: Adolescent Insecticide Exposure and ADHD Risk: Mechanisms of Immediate Effects and Long-term Vulnerability
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11046512 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being around insecticides might affect the brains of teenagers, especially in ways that could lead to ADHD symptoms, and it focuses on young people who work with pesticides to better understand the short- and long-term effects on their brain development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $514,674 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035696-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046512 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have been exposed to insecticides, particularly those in agricultural settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those who have not been exposed to insecticides may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of insecticide exposure on the developing brains of adolescents, particularly focusing on how it may lead to symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study examines both immediate and long-term effects of exposure, utilizing a cohort of adolescent pesticide applicators who experience higher levels of insecticide exposure. By analyzing neurobehavioral performance and potential biological mechanisms, the research aims to uncover how these exposures influence brain development and functioning during a critical growth period. The findings could help identify vulnerable populations and inform preventive measures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of ADHD symptoms linked to environmental exposures in adolescents.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential links between environmental exposures and neurobehavioral outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stevens, Hanna E — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Stevens, Hanna E
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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.