Understanding how brain development affects depression in at-risk youth
Official title: Neurodevelopmental Mechanisms Underlying the Onset of Depression Amount At-Risk Youth: The Role of Dysregulation in the Negative Valence System
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11231337 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the brain might help us understand why some kids, whose moms have had depression, might start feeling depressed themselves, so we can find ways to spot and prevent these feelings early on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $553,951 |
| NIH project number | 7R01MH130437-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11231337 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-11 years who have a mother with a history of major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of depression or who are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neurodevelopmental mechanisms that contribute to the onset of depression in children at high risk due to maternal major depressive disorder. By using advanced imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the study aims to identify brain network dysfunctions that may serve as early markers for depression. The research will follow a diverse group of youth over time to observe how these brain changes correlate with the development of depressive symptoms. The goal is to enhance early detection and prevention strategies for at-risk children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and targeted prevention of depression in children at high risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in identifying brain markers for depression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burkhouse, Katie L — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Burkhouse, Katie L
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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.