How prenatal exposure to metal mixtures affects mental health in children

Prenatal metal-stress mixtures and transdiagnostic pathways to preadolescent internalizing disorders: Role of placental molecular signaling

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11095813

This study is looking at how being exposed to certain metals while pregnant might affect children's mental health, like anxiety and depression, as they grow up, and it aims to help us understand how these factors can influence their brain development.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11095813 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of prenatal exposure to metal mixtures on the development of internalizing disorders, such as anxiety and depression, in children as they transition to adolescence. It focuses on how these environmental factors influence brain development during pregnancy and aims to understand the combined effects of chemical exposures and social stressors. By examining these influences, the study seeks to provide insights into the biological mechanisms that may lead to mental health issues later in life. The research employs a longitudinal approach to track the health outcomes of children exposed to these environmental factors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals and their children, particularly those exposed to environmental metal mixtures.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or whose children are not within the age range of 12-20 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for anxiety and depression in children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that prenatal exposures can significantly impact mental health, but this study's focus on metal mixtures and their combined effects is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Affective DisordersAnxiety Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.