Identifying youth at risk for psychosis using brain imaging techniques.
Predicting psychosis risk in youth using a novel structural neuroimaging score that measures deviation from normative development. Can we bring it to communities using portable, low-field MRI?
This study is looking at how changes in brain development can help us understand which young people might be at risk for developing psychosis, using new brain scans to make it easier to spot those at higher risk in the community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11037988 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how deviations in brain structure development can predict the risk of psychosis in young people. By utilizing a novel 'Psychosis Neuroimaging Score', the study aims to analyze brain imaging data from a large cohort of youth to identify those who may be at higher risk for developing psychosis. The approach combines insights from existing neuroimaging studies with new data to create a comprehensive understanding of brain development in relation to mental health. The goal is to make this assessment accessible through portable MRI technology, potentially allowing for community-based screening.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 12 to 20 who may exhibit early signs of psychosis or have a family history of mental health disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are not within the age range of 12 to 20 or do not show any symptoms or family history of psychosis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and intervention for youth at risk of developing psychosis, improving long-term mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using neuroimaging to identify mental health risks, suggesting that this approach could be effective in predicting psychosis.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jalbrzikowski, Maria — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jalbrzikowski, Maria
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 below.