Adolescent Mood During Puberty and Testosterone

Description

Starting at puberty, female adolescents are nearly three-times more likely to develop internalizing disorders, like depression, while male adolescents are two-times more likely to develop externalizing disorders, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This divergence between the sexes during puberty suggests sex-specific pathways of risk and differential effects of sex hormones. The purpose of this research is to determine: 1) sex-specific neural and endocrine features of the pubertal transition that may mediate sex differences in adolescent mood disorders, and 2) the neurophysiological basis of susceptibility to hormone change during puberty.

Conditions

Adolescent Depression

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Starting at puberty, female adolescents are nearly three-times more likely to develop internalizing disorders, like depression, while male adolescents are two-times more likely to develop externalizing disorders, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This divergence between the sexes during puberty suggests sex-specific pathways of risk and differential effects of sex hormones. The purpose of this research is to determine: 1) sex-specific neural and endocrine features of the pubertal transition that may mediate sex differences in adolescent mood disorders, and 2) the neurophysiological basis of susceptibility to hormone change during puberty.

Probing the Neurophysiological Mechanisms Underlying Sex-specific Testosterone-mood Relationships During Puberty: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using a Smartphone-based Training Program

Adolescent Mood During Puberty and Testosterone

Condition
Adolescent Depression
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Chapel Hill

Carolina Crossing B, Suite 1, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27517

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility 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)
  • * 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

Ages Eligible for Study

11 Years to 14 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill,

Elizabeth Andersen, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Study Record Dates

2027-12