Understanding Brain Development and Mental Health in Young People
Linking the Development of Association Cortex Plasticity to Trans-Diagnostic Psychopathology in Youth
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11159695
This project explores how brain development during childhood and adolescence connects to mental health conditions in young people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11159695 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our brains continue to develop significantly during childhood and the teenage years, especially the parts that help us with thinking and emotions. This important period of brain change, called plasticity, helps us grow and adapt, but difficult experiences can sometimes affect it and increase the risk of mental health challenges. We are looking into the biological reasons behind this brain plasticity in humans to better understand how our brain's ability to change interacts with our environment. This knowledge will help us learn why some young people are resilient and others are more vulnerable to psychiatric conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on understanding brain development and mental health in youth aged 12-20 years old.
Not a fit: Patients outside the 12-20 age range or those not experiencing psychopathology may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how brain development influences mental health, potentially guiding new ways to support young people facing psychiatric challenges.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have provided initial insights into brain plasticity, and this project aims to extend these findings to human brain development.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SATTERTHWAITE, THEODORE — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: SATTERTHWAITE, THEODORE
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.