Understanding how alcohol use affects depression in adolescents

Adolescent Markers of Depression and the Impact of Alcohol Use

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-10632036

This study is looking at how drinking alcohol might affect depression in young people aged 12 to 20, using special brain scans to see how these issues are connected over time, so we can find out who might need extra help to stay healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10632036 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between alcohol use and depression in adolescents aged 12 to 20. It employs advanced imaging techniques to study brain features and how they relate to these two conditions over time. By identifying risk factors, the research aims to determine which individuals may benefit from early interventions to improve their health outcomes. The study is part of a larger initiative to understand the impact of alcohol on adolescent brain development and mental health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are experiencing issues related to alcohol use or depression.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the adolescent age range or do not have concerns related to alcohol use or depression may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for adolescents struggling with alcohol use and depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between alcohol use and mental health in adolescents, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.