Understanding how COVID-19 affects brain development and substance use risk in children and adolescents

Application of a Bayesian strategy to ABCD: Identification of substance use risk and COVID-19 effects on neurodevelopment

['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11012911

This study is looking at how starting to use substances at a young age affects brain development and how the COVID-19 pandemic might change that, so we can better understand what makes some young people more likely to use substances.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorYALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11012911 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how early substance use initiation is linked to brain development and how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted this relationship. By analyzing data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, researchers will use advanced Bayesian machine learning techniques to model brain development trajectories and identify factors that increase the risk of substance use. The study aims to provide insights into the neurodevelopmental mechanisms that contribute to substance use vulnerability, particularly in the context of the pandemic's effects on youth. Participants will be monitored over time to understand these complex interactions better.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children and adolescents aged 0-20 years who are part of the ABCD study cohort.

Not a fit: Patients who are not part of the ABCD study or who are outside the age range of 0-20 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing substance use disorders in children and adolescents by identifying critical developmental factors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using similar Bayesian modeling approaches has shown promise in understanding developmental trajectories, making this a potentially impactful continuation of that work.

Where this research is happening

NEW HAVEN, 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.