Understanding how emotional abuse affects depression in LGBTQ+ youth
Neural circuitry underlying emotional abuse and depression in sexual minority youth
This study looks at how emotional abuse during childhood and teenage years affects feelings of depression in LGBTQ+ youth, using brain scans to understand the connection better, with hopes of finding better ways to help them feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11019796 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of emotional abuse during childhood and adolescence on depression among sexual minority youth (SMY). By integrating cognitive and social theories with affective neuroscience, the study aims to explore how emotional abuse influences brain systems related to self-worth and reward processing. Using advanced imaging techniques like functional and diffusion MRI, the research will examine the neural mechanisms that contribute to depression in this vulnerable population. The findings could lead to improved detection and treatment strategies for depression in sexual minority youth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are sexual minority youth aged 12 to 20 who have experienced emotional abuse.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as sexual minorities or who have not experienced emotional abuse may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for depression in sexual minority youth who have experienced emotional abuse.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in exploring the links between emotional trauma and mental health outcomes, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eckstrand, Kristen — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Eckstrand, Kristen
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.