Investigating how dopamine affects depression and lack of pleasure in adolescents
Dopamine Availability and Developmental Pathways of Adolescent Depression and Anhedonia
This study is looking at how changes in a brain chemical called dopamine might affect feelings of sadness and lack of pleasure in teenagers aged 12 to 20, helping us understand how these changes can impact their emotions and behaviors as they grow up.
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-10909168 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between dopamine availability and the development of depression and anhedonia in adolescents aged 12 to 20. It aims to understand how changes in dopamine function during this critical developmental period influence reward-driven behavior and emotional experiences. By using a combination of clinical assessments and neuroscience techniques, the study will track these changes over time and in real-life contexts. The findings could provide insights into how neuroinflammation interacts with dopamine and contributes to adolescent depression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are experiencing symptoms of depression or anhedonia.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those not experiencing depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for adolescents suffering from depression and anhedonia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of dopamine in depression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forbes, Erika E — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Forbes, Erika E
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.