Understanding how brain mechanisms influence genetic risk for anxiety and depression in children
Official title: Brain Mechanisms Mediating Genetic Risk for Anxiety and Depression
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11079591 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain work together to cause anxiety and depression in kids, using monkeys to help us understand, so we can find better ways to help children who might be struggling with these feelings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $664,733 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH081884-17 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079591 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who exhibit signs of anxiety or have a family history of anxiety and depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or do not exhibit anxiety-related symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms that contribute to the development of anxiety and depression in children, particularly focusing on a model using non-human primates. By studying the prefrontal cortex and its connections to the amygdala, researchers aim to uncover how these brain regions interact in relation to anxiety disorders. The study employs advanced neuroimaging techniques to observe brain activity and its implications for emotional regulation and cognitive control. Insights gained from this research could lead to better understanding and treatment strategies for children at risk of developing anxiety and depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions and therapies for children at risk of anxiety and depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using non-human primate models to study anxiety and depression, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kalin, Ned H — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Kalin, Ned H
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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.