Understanding how mindfulness can help youth at risk for mood disorders

Neurobehavioral Targets of Mindfulness in Youth At Risk for Mood Disorders

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11035159

This study is looking at how mindfulness practices can help young people who are at risk for mood disorders by improving their emotional control and mood, and it aims to find out who might benefit the most from these techniques.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11035159 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on mood lability in youth who are at risk for mood disorders. It aims to understand the neural and behavioral mechanisms behind how mindfulness can improve emotional regulation and decrease mood symptoms. By focusing on adolescents, a critical period for mood disorder onset, the study seeks to identify which individuals may benefit most from these interventions. The research will utilize various assessments to measure changes in mood and brain connectivity associated with mindfulness practices.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who exhibit mood lability and have a familial risk for mood disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not exhibit mood lability or do not have a family history of mood disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective mindfulness-based strategies that help reduce mood swings and improve emotional well-being in at-risk youth.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that mindfulness-based interventions can effectively reduce mood symptoms in youth, indicating a promising approach for this population.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.