Understanding how puberty and testosterone affect adolescent mood
Official title: Probing the Neurophysiological Mechanisms Underlying Sex-specific Testosterone-mood Relationships During Puberty: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using a Smartphone-based Training Program
Run by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT06072677 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how puberty and testosterone affect the moods of boys and girls aged 11 to 14 who have had stress or mild depression.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 11 Years to 14 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 24, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06072677 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 11 to 14 who have experienced a stressful life event or show signs of moderate depression.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of manic episodes, psychotic symptoms, or those currently taking medications that affect neurological function may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This research investigates the differences in mood disorders between male and female adolescents during puberty, focusing on how sex hormones may influence these conditions. It aims to identify sex-specific neural and endocrine features that contribute to the increased risk of depression in females and externalizing disorders in males. Participants aged 11 to 14 who have experienced stress or moderate depression will engage with the Healthy Minds Program, utilizing mobile apps to track their mood and responses to hormonal changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for adolescent mood disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research into adolescent mood disorders, this specific focus on sex-specific pathways during puberty is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 11 and 14 * Have their own personal mobile device and capability to download the MyCap and Healthy Minds apps * Experienced a stressful life event within the last year, or endorse moderate depression (defined by a CES-DC score 16 or higher) Exclusion Criteria: * Previous experience with the Healthy Minds Program * Regular meditation practice * Current or history of manic episodes, psychotic symptoms, or current suicidal intent * Taking any form of exogenous hormones or intrauterine device (IUD) within one month of participation in the study * Taking medications that directly alter cardiovascular or neurological function
Where it's running
-
Carolina Crossing B, Suite 1
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elizabeth Andersen, PhD — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Kayla Jensen, BS
- Email: nerdlab@unc.edu
- Phone: 919-445-6815
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.