Investigating how women's experiences of adversity affect depression and anxiety symptoms over time.

Women's adversity exposure, HPA axis regulation, and internalizing symptoms: a longitudinal study of a depression intervention

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10983332

This study is looking at how tough experiences like poverty and violence can affect women's mental health, especially their feelings of depression and anxiety, and it aims to find better ways to help women in challenging situations feel better over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10983332 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines the relationship between exposure to adversities, such as poverty and violence, and the development of depression and anxiety symptoms in women, particularly in low-resource settings. It focuses on understanding how these experiences impact the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is involved in stress response. By analyzing data from a longitudinal study, the research aims to assess the long-term effects of mental health interventions on both psychological symptoms and HPA axis function. This could lead to improved mental health strategies tailored for women facing unique challenges in their environments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women living in low-resource contexts who have experienced significant adversities.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of adversity or who are not experiencing depression or anxiety symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective mental health interventions for women experiencing adversity, ultimately reducing the burden of depression and anxiety.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in addressing mental health issues through targeted interventions in similar populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Anxiety Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.