Understanding how brain development in adolescents relates to mental health risks

The Development of Individual Differences in Adolescent Brain Structure and Risk

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11056801

This study is looking at how differences in brain development during the teenage years might affect the chances of kids developing mental health issues, and it's for families who want to understand how brain changes can relate to things like attention and anxiety.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11056801 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how individual differences in brain structure during adolescence can influence the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. By following a cohort of children from birth through adolescence, the study uses advanced imaging techniques like MRIs to assess brain development at various ages. It focuses on key cognitive and behavioral traits such as executive function, attention, and anxiety, which are critical for understanding mental health outcomes. The goal is to identify early indicators of risk based on brain structure and function.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are children who are currently between the ages of 12 and 16 and have been part of the UNC Early Brain Development Study.

Not a fit: Patients who are outside the age range of 12 to 16 years or who have not been part of the initial cohort may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification of adolescents at risk for psychiatric disorders, allowing for timely interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain development and its links to mental health, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

CHAPEL HILL, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.