Understanding how substance use and depression affect people living with HIV
Official title: Integrated neuroimmune model of problematic substance use and depression in people living with HIV
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11051114 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how substance use and depression affect young adults living with HIV, and how inflammation in the body might play a role, with the goal of finding ways to improve mental health and help people stick to their treatment plans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,700 |
| NIH project number | 5K01DA057143-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051114 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults living with HIV who are experiencing substance use and depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or who do not have issues related to substance use or depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex relationship between substance use, depression, and systemic inflammation in individuals living with HIV, particularly during young adulthood. It aims to identify the factors that contribute to these issues, which are prevalent among this population and can lead to chronic diseases. By examining the brain's central executive network, the study seeks to understand how lower brain function may increase vulnerability to stress and negative emotions, thereby exacerbating substance use and depression. The findings could help develop targeted interventions to improve mental health and treatment adherence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health outcomes and better adherence to HIV treatment for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the interplay between mental health and chronic diseases in HIV populations, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schrock, Joshua Matthew — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Schrock, Joshua Matthew
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A peer-delivered program to improve depression and substance use in low-resource communities
A community-based, peer-delivered approach is being tested to help adults in economically challenged areas with depression and substance use.
-
Genetic links between alcohol or opioid problems and depression
Researchers are looking for genes that may help explain why some people, especially Veterans, have both alcohol or prescription opioid problems and major depression.
-
Understanding the genetic links between substance use disorders and major depression
This study is looking at how our genes might play a role in why some people, especially veterans, struggle with substance use issues like alcohol and prescription painkillers, along with depression, so we can find better ways to help them based on their unique genetic makeup.
-
Biotype-based Personalization of Antidepressant Augmentation in Late-Life Depression
A multi-site study will test a computer-guided approach to choosing the best augmentation option for older adults with treatment-resistant depression.
-
Suubi-Mhealth: a mobile app to help Ugandan youth with HIV manage depression and ART adherence
A mobile app designed for 14–17 year olds in Uganda aims to support mental health and keep HIV treatment on track.
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.