How stress affects thinking in people with mood disorders
Official title: Biological systems underlying the impact of potential threat on cognitive control in mood disorders
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10430138 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress and anxiety affect thinking and decision-making in people with mood disorders like depression, to help find better treatments for those who struggle more under stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $642,063 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH114875-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10430138 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mood disorders, particularly those experiencing significant cognitive difficulties related to stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without mood disorders or those who do not experience cognitive control issues related to stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how stress-induced anxiety impacts cognitive control in individuals with mood disorders like depression. By examining the biological mechanisms involved, particularly focusing on the role of specific brain systems, the study aims to understand why some people experience more cognitive difficulties than others when under stress. The research will involve both animal models and human participants to explore these connections and identify potential targets for more effective treatments. Ultimately, the goal is to clarify how stress influences cognitive functioning, which could lead to better personalized interventions for those affected by mood disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that specifically address cognitive control deficits in individuals with mood disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between stress and cognitive functioning in mood disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Neil Patrick — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Jones, Neil Patrick
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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.