Investigating brain activity related to memory recall in families with major depression
Using fMRI of Autobiographical Memory Recall to Determine Risk and Resilience Endophenotypes in Familial Major Depressive Disorder
This study is looking at how the brain reacts when people remember personal experiences to see if it can help predict who might develop depression, especially in young adults with a family history of the condition.
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 ID | NIH-10558686 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how the brain's response during the recall of personal memories may indicate the risk or resilience to major depressive disorder (MDD) in individuals with a family history of the condition. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), participants will engage in memory tasks while their brain activity is monitored. The study will follow young adults with a first-degree relative diagnosed with MDD over two years to see if their brain activity patterns can predict the development of depressive symptoms. The findings could help identify individuals at risk for MDD and inform preventive strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include young adults with a first-degree family member diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
Not a fit: Patients without a family history of major depressive disorder or those already diagnosed with MDD may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification of individuals at risk for major depressive disorder and the development of targeted interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that brain activity patterns can be linked to depressive symptoms, suggesting this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, Kym — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Young, Kym
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.