Understanding Emotional Changes After Concussion in Teens
identifying Concussed Adolescents at Risk for Emotional dysregulation 2 (iCARE2)
This project aims to understand why some teenagers, particularly girls, experience lasting emotional difficulties after a concussion.
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-11142540 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many teenagers experience concussions each year, and while most recover, some develop lasting emotional challenges like anxiety. This project explores why certain brain areas, important for emotions and hormone regulation, are especially vulnerable to concussion forces. We are particularly interested in how puberty and hormonal changes might influence recovery, especially for girls who seem to be at a higher risk for persistent emotional problems after an injury. By understanding these connections, we hope to identify teenagers who might need extra support and develop better ways to help them heal.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Teenagers who have experienced a concussion, especially adolescent girls, are the focus of this work.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing a recent concussion or those outside of adolescence may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier identification of teenagers at risk for long-term emotional problems after concussion and help develop new treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While some evidence suggests hormonal changes after concussion, the specific mechanisms explored in this project are still largely unknown and represent a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Versace, Amelia — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Versace, Amelia
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.