Understanding how reward sensitivity and inflammation contribute to depression in adolescents
Official title: Integrated Reward-Inflammation Model of First Onset of Major Depression in Adolescence
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11070356 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feeling less excited about rewards and having higher inflammation might be linked to the risk of depression in teens aged 12 to 20, with the goal of finding new ways to help prevent depression during these important years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $727,321 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH123473-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070356 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be experiencing symptoms of depression or are at risk for developing depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those who do not exhibit symptoms of depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between reward sensitivity and inflammation in adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be at risk for developing major depressive disorder. It aims to determine whether low sensitivity to rewards and elevated inflammation can predict the onset of depression during this critical developmental period. By examining these factors, the study seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to adolescent depression, potentially leading to new intervention strategies. Participants may undergo assessments related to their reward responses and inflammation levels over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for adolescents at risk of major depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between reward sensitivity and depression, but this specific integrated approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alloy, Lauren Bersh — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Alloy, Lauren Bersh
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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.