Teen brain development and early mental health risk
Adolescent brain maturation and psychopathology
Researchers are using advanced whole-brain phosphorus MRI and network mapping to see how teens' brains change and whether those changes link to early mental health problems, especially in teens with a family history of schizophrenia.
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-11332746 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get detailed brain imaging that measures cellular-level markers (using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy) alongside structural, diffusion, and functional MRI scans. The team will combine these different scan types into a multiplex network map to look for abnormal patterns of connectivity and neuropil growth or shrinkage. They are focusing on adolescents and will include teens who have a first-degree relative with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, with follow-up visits over time. The approach aims to find brain changes that appear before psychiatric symptoms start.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents about 12–20 years old, particularly those who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
Not a fit: Adults outside the adolescent age range, very young children, or people without adolescent-age concerns or relevant family risk may not receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify teens at higher risk for psychiatric disorders earlier so they can receive closer monitoring or earlier support.
How similar studies have performed: Prior imaging research has linked adolescent brain changes to later mental illness, but combining whole-brain 31P MRS with multiplex network analysis is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prasad, Konasale M — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Prasad, Konasale M
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.