Understanding how stress affects pleasure in adolescents

Multisystem Stress Response Biotypes: Deriving Novel Physiological and Neural Risk Factors for Anhedonia in Adolescence

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10857612

This study is looking at how stress affects the ability to feel pleasure in teenagers aged 12 to 20, and it aims to help identify those who might need support during this important time in their lives.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10857612 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how biological responses to stress influence the ability to experience pleasure, known as anhedonia, in adolescents aged 12 to 20. By examining multiple physiological systems, including the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system, the study aims to uncover the complex interactions that contribute to anhedonia during this critical developmental period. Participants will undergo clinical assessments and functional MRI scans to identify risk factors and patterns associated with stress responses. The goal is to improve early identification and intervention strategies for adolescents experiencing these challenges.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are experiencing symptoms of anhedonia or related affective disorders.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those not experiencing symptoms of anhedonia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for adolescents struggling with anhedonia and related mental health issues.

How similar studies have performed: While research on stress and anhedonia is ongoing, this multi-system approach is relatively novel and aims to fill gaps in current understanding.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
Conditions Affective Disorders
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.