Understanding how brain development affects mental health in young people
Linking the Development of Association Cortex Plasticity to Trans-Diagnostic Psychopathology in Youth
This study is looking at how the brain develops in kids and teens, especially how changes in a specific brain area can affect their thinking skills and feelings, to help understand what makes some young people more resilient or vulnerable to mental health challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10932287 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of the association cortex in children and adolescents, focusing on how its plasticity influences executive functions and emotional well-being. By studying both animal models and human brain activity through functional MRI, the research aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that contribute to resilience or vulnerability to mental health issues. The goal is to identify how environmental factors can impact brain development and, consequently, mental health outcomes in youth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 12 to 20 who may be experiencing mental health challenges or are at risk due to environmental factors.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those without any mental health concerns may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that promote healthy brain development and reduce the risk of mental health disorders in young people.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain plasticity and its relationship to mental health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
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.