Understanding how childhood experiences affect adolescent depression
Official title: Leveraging population level data to inform prevention and treatment of adolescent depression following social adversities
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11166136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tough experiences in childhood can affect depression in teenagers, aiming to find out what helps some kids cope better than others, so we can improve support and treatment for those who need it most.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 9, 2025 |
| Project end | June 8, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $458,177 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH139213-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11166136 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents aged 12-20 who have experienced multiple adverse childhood events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any adverse childhood events may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adolescent depression, focusing on how different factors influence the risk and resilience to depression symptoms. By analyzing population-level data, the study aims to identify specific characteristics that contribute to varying outcomes in adolescents who have experienced ACEs. The goal is to enhance prevention and treatment strategies for those at risk, particularly in light of the mental health care shortages. The research will utilize advanced statistical methods to explore these complex interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies for adolescents suffering from depression related to adverse childhood experiences.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the nuances of ACEs can significantly improve mental health interventions, indicating a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewinn, Kaja Zabrina — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Lewinn, Kaja Zabrina
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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.