Identifying early signs of worsening psychotic symptoms in youth
Official title: Predicting Attenuated Psychotic Symptoms Amongst Youth Endorsing Persistent Distressing Psychotic-like Experiences
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11107785 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how early life experiences and surroundings might help us figure out which young people are more likely to develop serious symptoms of psychosis, so we can find ways to prevent it before it becomes a bigger issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $738,037 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH139880-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11107785 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 0-21 who have experienced psychotic-like experiences.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any history of psychotic-like experiences may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain early experiences and environmental factors can predict the development of more severe psychotic symptoms in young people. By analyzing data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, the researchers aim to identify reliable indicators that can help in early screening and prevention of psychosis. The study focuses on youth who have experienced psychotic-like experiences and seeks to understand which individuals are at higher risk of developing attenuated psychotic symptoms. The goal is to develop effective prevention strategies before significant functional decline occurs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and intervention for youth at risk of developing severe psychotic disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in early identification and intervention strategies for psychosis, but this specific approach is novel and aims to fill existing gaps in understanding.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karcher, Nicole R. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Karcher, Nicole R.
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.