Understanding stress and reward processing in young people at risk for psychosis or early depression

Shared and differential vulnerabilities of stress and reward processing in psychosis-risk syndromes or early-stage depression

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MCLEAN HOSPITAL · NIH-10988307

This study is looking at how stress and rewards affect teenagers who might be at risk for psychosis or are dealing with early signs of depression, using brain scans while they do certain tasks, to help find better ways to support young people facing these challenges.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMCLEAN HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BELMONT, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10988307 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how stress and reward processing are affected in adolescents who are at risk for psychosis or experiencing early-stage depression. Participants will undergo brain imaging while engaging in tasks designed to assess their learning and response to stress. By comparing those with psychosis-risk syndromes, early-stage depression, and those without psychopathology, the study aims to uncover shared and unique vulnerabilities in these groups. The findings could lead to better understanding and treatment options for young individuals facing these mental health challenges.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents who are showing early signs of psychosis-risk syndromes or early-stage depression.

Not a fit: Patients who do not exhibit any signs of psychosis or depression may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved identification and treatment strategies for adolescents at risk for psychosis or early depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of psychosis and depression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

BELMONT, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Affective Disorders, attenuated psychosis syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.