Understanding how puberty and age affect brain development and mental health in youth
Characterizing pubertal and age mechanisms of neurodevelopment and association with rising internalizing symptoms
This study looks at how growing up and going through puberty affects brain development and mental health in kids and young adults aged 5 to 21, aiming to understand why early puberty might lead to more feelings of anxiety and depression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11218717 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain development from childhood to early adulthood is influenced by age and puberty, focusing on the connections between brain structure, function, and mental health symptoms. By using advanced imaging techniques and data analysis, the study aims to create a detailed model of typical neurodevelopment in children and adolescents aged 5 to 21. The findings will help identify how early puberty may lead to increased mental health challenges, particularly internalizing symptoms like anxiety and depression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 5 to 21, particularly those experiencing early puberty or mental health symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 5 to 21 or those not experiencing developmental or mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions for mental health issues in youth.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain development and its impact on mental health, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Harvard University — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Somerville, Leah Helene — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Somerville, Leah Helene
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.