Current Studies:
The EVOLVE Study
The EVOLVE Study examines the pubertal transition— a critical developmental window associated with reproductive hormone fluctuations, dramatic frontal brain maturation, and elevated interpersonal stress— to provide mechanistic insight into the role of sex hormones in the development of depression in adolescent females. A sub-study, which has now concluded, investigated the interaction of estrogen variability, sleep irregularity, and diurnal rhythms as predictors of depressive symptoms in peripubertal females, particularly in the context of COVID-19 stress. This research is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Foundation of Hope for Research and Treatment of Mental Illness, and it is led by Dr. Elizabeth Andersen. We are actively recruiting participants for this study!
The Women’s Irritability, Stress, and Estrogen (WISE) Study
Approximately 40% of women in the menopause transition (perimenopause) exhibit affective impairment associated with fluctuations in estrogen, with the most frequent affective symptom being irritability. The WISE study uses EEG recordings to investigate the role of estrogen fluctuation in altering neural (brain) networks involved in threat and reward processing and contributing to irritability symptoms in perimenopausal women. This study is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and co-led by Drs. Elizabeth Andersen and Susan Girdler. We are actively recruiting participants for this study!
The Adolescent Mood during Puberty and Testosterone (AMPT) Study
The AMPT Study also examines the pubertal transition, which marks an abrupt divergence between the sexes in rates of mood disorders (e.g., depression) in female adolescents, and externalizing disorders (i.e., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) in male adolescents. For the first time, the AMPT study will examine sex differences in the brain activity underlying mood changes tied to testosterone. Additionally, the AMPT study will examine whether a smartphone-based training program (Healthy Minds Program), will help improve emotion regulation and coping skills in adolescents during the pubertal transition. This research is funded by the Foundation of Hope for Research and Treatment of Mental Illness and is led by Dr. Elizabeth Andersen. We are actively recruiting participants for this study!
The Teen Cycle Study
The Teen Cycle Study is attempting to understand how adolescent girls’ stress reactions vary across the menstrual cycle, and are associated with psychological adjustment, depression, self-injury, and physical health. Suicide is the second leading cause of death (behind accidents) among those ages 10-34 years in the US and is the cause of mortality most strongly linked to mental illness. Starting at approximately age 12 years, the rate of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) increases dramatically, especially among girls, who experience STBs at twice the rate for boys. These pronounced increases for adolescents and for girls have been well-documented for decades and are seen in virtually every country/culture around the world, yet, there is no firm understanding of why they exist. Moreover, very little is known about when risk is highest. This research is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. If you are interested in contributing to this research, please reach out to us by phone: 984-999-0783 or by email: teencyclestudy@unc.edu, for more information on how you can get involved. We are actively recruiting participants for this study!
