Understanding how brain connections develop in youth and relate to psychosis risk
Official title: Development of Cerebellar-Cortical Functional Connectivity in Youth and Its Prediction of Psychosis
Funded at Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11029636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain develops in young people and whether certain changes can help us understand who might be at risk for experiencing psychosis later on, using brain scans and tests from over 3,000 kids and young adults aged 5 to 21.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Feinstein Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhasset, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $434,421 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH138682-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11029636 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 5 to 21 who may be at clinical high risk for psychosis or exhibit cognitive disturbances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 5 to 21 or those without any risk factors for psychosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of connections between the cerebellum and cortex in young individuals and how these connections may predict the onset of psychosis. By analyzing data from large neurodevelopmental datasets, including brain scans and clinical assessments of over 3000 participants aged 5 to 21, the study aims to identify normal developmental patterns and deviations that could indicate a higher risk for psychotic symptoms. The approach combines advanced imaging techniques with comprehensive cognitive evaluations to provide insights into the neurodevelopmental processes associated with psychosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification and intervention strategies for youth at risk of developing psychosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain connectivity and its implications for mental health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
Manhasset, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Hengyi — Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Cao, Hengyi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Psychosis in diverse settings across the world
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-
Psychosis in Diverse Settings: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment Across Global South
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-
A new online brain-scan-style tool to spot early psychosis risk
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Genetic clues for early-onset psychosis in Latino youth
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Biomarkers to tailor rehab for Veterans with schizophrenia
A clinician-scientist is developing a brain-based biomarker to guide personalized rehabilitation for Veterans with schizophrenia.
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Computational analysis of facial expression in early psychosis
Aims to develop computer-based measures of facial expression in people at risk for or with schizophrenia to help track symptoms and guide future trials.
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.