NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding brain circuits related to irritability to find new treatments

Official title: Elucidating the Neurocircuitry of Irritability with Ultra-High-Field Neuroimaging to Identify Novel Therapeutic Targets

Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10908393 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain brain connections affect irritability, especially in people with depression, to help create better treatments that can really make a difference for those who struggle with these feelings.

More Irritability research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2021
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$183,081
NIH project number5K23MH126202-04
Project IDNIH-10908393 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation include adults experiencing irritability associated with depression or related mood disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients with irritability not linked to mood disorders or those outside the age range of 21+ years may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the brain circuits involved in irritability using advanced imaging techniques. By employing ultra-high-field functional MRI, the study aims to identify specific neurocircuit mechanisms that contribute to irritability, particularly in individuals with depression. The findings could lead to the development of targeted antidepressant treatments that address these neurocircuit dysfunctions. Patients may participate in clinical trials that assess the effectiveness of these new therapies based on changes in brain function.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for irritability and related mood disorders, improving patients' quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuroimaging to understand mood disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Ut Southwestern Medical Center
    Dallas, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Jha, Manish Kumar — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Jha, Manish Kumar

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Understanding how brain mechanisms affect irritability in young children

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  • Therapy approaches for irritability in youths: active treatments vs nonactive psychoeducation

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.