The impact of childhood trauma on brain function and feelings of pleasure in those at risk for psychosis
Official title: Childhood trauma, hippocampal function, and anhedonia among those at heightened risk for psychosis
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-10974470 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how childhood trauma might change how the brain works, especially in a part called the hippocampus, and how this could lead to feelings of not enjoying things, which can happen in people at risk of developing psychosis, with the hope of finding ways to help them feel better before serious symptoms appear.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 22, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $17,423 |
| NIH project number | 5F31MH135667-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974470 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults who have experienced childhood trauma and are at clinical high risk for psychosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced childhood trauma or who do not fall into the clinical high-risk category for psychosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how childhood trauma affects brain function, particularly in the hippocampus, and its relationship with anhedonia, which is the inability to feel pleasure. It focuses on individuals who are at clinical high risk for developing psychosis, exploring how negative symptoms like anhedonia can emerge before full-blown psychosis occurs. By examining these connections, the research aims to identify potential early intervention strategies that could improve quality of life for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for individuals at risk of psychosis, particularly those affected by childhood trauma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between childhood trauma and mental health outcomes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'brien, Kathleen — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: O'brien, Kathleen
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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.