Understanding how stress affects pleasure in teenagers

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-11220759

This study looks at how stress affects the ability to feel pleasure in teenagers aged 12 to 20, hoping to find ways to help those who struggle to enjoy things they used to love.

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-11220759 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how biological responses to stress impact the ability to experience pleasure in adolescents aged 12 to 20. It focuses on understanding the complex interactions between different physiological systems, such as the autonomic nervous system and hormonal responses, during acute stress events. By examining these multi-system stress responses, the study aims to identify risk factors for anhedonia, a condition where individuals struggle to find joy in activities they once enjoyed. The findings could lead to better interventions 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 improved understanding and treatment options for adolescents suffering from anhedonia and related mental health issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between stress and mental health, but this multi-system approach is relatively novel.

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.