Brain circuits behind overgeneralized fear and mood symptoms
Circuits underlying overgeneralization
This work looks at whether a small brain region called the dentate gyrus and its ability to tell similar experiences apart can help people with anxiety, PTSD, or mood disorders who respond too strongly to similar situations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247063 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on the dentate gyrus, a part of the hippocampus that helps the brain separate similar memories and contexts, a process called pattern separation. Researchers use behavioral tests, physiological recordings, and cellular-level studies to see how mature and newly formed neurons contribute to overgeneralized fear and negative affect. The team is exploring ways to improve pattern separation—including effects of antidepressant-related mechanisms and adult neurogenesis—to reduce contextual discrimination problems. While much work is lab-based, the research is aimed at problems people with anxiety, PTSD, and mood disorders commonly report.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, or mood disorders who have trouble distinguishing safe from threatening situations would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without overgeneralization of fear, minors under 21, or those whose symptoms stem from unrelated neurological conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to reduce excessive fear and improve memory discrimination for people with anxiety, PTSD, or depression.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and human brain imaging have supported the dentate gyrus's role in pattern separation, but using that knowledge to guide new treatments by enhancing DG function or neurogenesis is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hen, Rene — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Hen, Rene
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 below.