How the body's internal clock affects mental health and immune function
Official title: The influence of the developing circadian system on neuroimmune function and neuropsychiatric behaviors
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11070957 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our body's natural sleep-wake cycles affect mental health, especially anxiety and mood issues, in teens and young adults, to find ways to help those who might be struggling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | March 5, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,613 |
| NIH project number | 1F31MH138131-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070957 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and young adults experiencing anxiety or mood disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable psychiatric conditions not related to circadian disruptions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the body's circadian rhythms and their impact on mental health, particularly focusing on anxiety and mood disorders in adolescents and young adults. It aims to understand how disruptions in these biological clocks may lead to neuroinflammation, which is linked to psychiatric conditions. By examining the neuroimmune system's response to circadian dysregulation, the study seeks to identify potential biomarkers for early intervention and develop new therapeutic strategies. Patients may be monitored for changes in their mental health and immune responses in relation to their circadian patterns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for anxiety and mood disorders by targeting circadian rhythms and neuroinflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between circadian rhythms and mental health, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bell, Kiersten Simone — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Bell, Kiersten Simone
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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.