Investigating ways to prevent loss of interest in children at risk for depression
Reward Responsiveness as a Prevention Target in Youth At Risk for Anhedonia
This study is looking at ways to help kids aged 8 to 12, especially those with a family history of depression, feel more joy and interest in activities by trying out a new program called Family Promoting Positive Emotions, which uses fun techniques to boost their happiness and enjoyment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10879175 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and preventing anhedonia, a condition where individuals lose interest or pleasure in activities, particularly in children at risk due to family history of depression. The study will implement a new intervention called Family Promoting Positive Emotions (F-PPE), which aims to enhance reward responsiveness in children aged 8 to 12. Using advanced brain imaging techniques, the research will assess the effectiveness of this intervention in increasing neural responses to rewards. By targeting these brain processes, the study hopes to alter the trajectory of mental health outcomes for at-risk youth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 8 to 12 who have a family history of major depressive disorder.
Not a fit: Children without a family history of depression or those already experiencing severe mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help prevent the development of anhedonia and related mental health issues in children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using similar interventions to enhance emotional well-being in at-risk populations, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kujawa, Autumn J — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Kujawa, Autumn J
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.