Understanding stress responses in female adolescents with a family history of depression.
Official title: Tracking the dynamic trajectory of behavioral, physiological, and neurobiological stress responses in female adolescents at high and low familial risk for depression.
Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-11131372 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress impacts teenage girls, especially those with a family history of depression, to better understand how their brains and bodies react during this important time in their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $792,441 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH137441-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131372 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are female adolescents aged 12 to 20 with a family history of Major Depressive Disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a familial history of depression or are outside the age range of 12 to 20 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how stress affects female adolescents, particularly those with a family history of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It focuses on understanding the brain and body responses to stress during early adolescence, a critical time for the onset of depression. By examining the interactions between brain networks and physiological responses, the study aims to identify patterns that may predict future depression. Participants will undergo assessments to track their behavioral and biological reactions to stress over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification and intervention strategies for adolescents at risk of developing depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding stress responses and their link to depression, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Belleau, Emily — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Belleau, Emily
Related research
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-
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-
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This study is looking at postpartum depression in female veterans by using female rats to mimic the unique stresses they experience, helping researchers understand the causes of PPD in these women.
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This study is looking at how well a support group called TERTULIAS helps Mexican immigrant women feel less lonely and depressed, by bringing them together to share experiences and build connections, while also checking how it affects their stress levels.
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Biotype-based Personalization of Antidepressant Augmentation in Late-Life Depression
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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.