Suicidal thoughts and behaviors rise sharply in adolescence, especially for girls, but the reasons why are not well understood. Hormone changes during the menstrual cycle, combined with stress and brain development, may create "windows of risk" for mood problems like irritability, which is strongly linked to depression and suicide. The purpose of this study is to understand how hormone changes during adolescence increase irritability and risk for depression and suicide in girls, and to test whether preventing hormone drops before a period can reduce these risks. By studying brain activity, stress, and hormone levels together, the project aims to uncover brain features that may make some people more vulnerable to hormone changes and stress and identify new paths for prevention and treatment of adolescent depression.
Participation will last about 6 months and include an initial interview visit and two 8-week study conditions (oral contraceptive and placebo), separated by a 4-week washout period. During the study, participants will: • Complete daily and weekly smartphone surveys about mood and irritability • Provide urine samples at home using test strips • Attend two lab visits that include brain imaging (MRI), behavioral tasks
Up to $715
Biomedical Research Imaging Center
Marsico Hall (UNC-Chapel Hill)
125 Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
UNC Women's Mood Disorder Center
UNC Health - Carolina Crossing, Building B
2218 Nelson Hwy, Chapel Hill, NC 27517, USA
Elizabeth Andersen
Psychiatry - Research
Behavioral or Social
Interventional
Child and Teen Health
Mental and Emotional Health
25-2243
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