NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Identifying brain markers for mood disorders in at-risk youth

Official title: Neurobiological markers of risk and resilience for psychopathology in youth at familial risk for mood disorders

Funded at Yale University · NIH-11007275 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the brains of young people with a family history of mood disorders, like depression and bipolar disorder, are different, so we can find signs that might help us predict who could develop these conditions in the future and help them get the right support early on.

More Resilience research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2023
Project endDecember 31, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$33,984
NIH project number5F31MH131246-03
Project IDNIH-11007275 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 0-20 years with a family history of mood disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients without a family history of mood disorders or those already diagnosed with MDD or BD may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the neurobiological differences in youth who have a family history of mood disorders, specifically major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). By examining brain activity and structure, the study aims to identify biomarkers that can predict the onset of these disorders before symptoms appear. The approach includes longitudinal assessments to track changes over time, which may help distinguish between youth at high risk for BD versus MDD. This could lead to more effective early interventions and treatments for those at risk.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of mood disorders in youth, improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in identifying neurobiological markers for mood disorders, but this research aims to build on those findings with a larger sample size and more comprehensive methodologies.

Where this research is happening

  • Yale University
    New Haven, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Holt-Gosselin, Bailey — Yale University
  • Study coordinator: Holt-Gosselin, Bailey

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Understanding gene activity in the brains of people with mood disorders who died by suicide

    A study to map which genes are active in brain cells and where they are in the brains of people with mood disorders who attempted or died by suicide, using advanced single-cell and spatial techniques.

    NIH research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · New York, United States · NIH-11349216

  • Synaptic changes in mood disorders and suicide risk

    This project studies brain Synapse signals in people with mood disorders, including those with a recent suicide attempt, to understand what changes are linked to suicide risk and how ketamine might work.

    NIH research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · New York, United States · NIH-11349215

  • Integrating immune and brain reward biology in veterans with mood problems

    A study in veterans with mood disorders looks at how the immune system and brain reward circuits may work together to drive depression and suicide risk.

    NIH research James J Peters VA Medical Center · Bronx, United States · NIH-11320777

  • Mindfulness to reduce mood swings in teens at risk for mood disorders

    This project teaches mindfulness skills to teens and young adults with family histories of mood disorders to help reduce frequent mood swings and improve sustained attention.

    NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11285153

  • Understanding how calcium channels affect substance use and mood disorders

    This study is looking at how problems with drugs and mood can affect each other, especially when someone is trying to stay off drugs, and it’s testing how certain brain channels might help us find better treatments for people dealing with both issues.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11144027

  • Exploring the link between immune system issues and mood disorders in veterans

    This study is looking at how problems with the immune system might affect mood and increase the risk of suicide in veterans, using blood tests and brain scans to find clues that could help improve diagnosis and treatment for those dealing with depression.

    NIH research James J Peters VA Medical Center · Bronx, United States · NIH-11052103

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.