Changing how people interpret threats to help reduce anxiety in movement disorders

Modification of Threat Interpretation Bias to Reduce Anxiety in Neurodegenerative Movement Disorders

NIH-funded research University of Virginia · NIH-10932105

This study is testing a friendly online program designed to help people with movement disorders like Huntington's and Parkinson's manage their anxiety by teaching them to think about tricky situations in a more positive way.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10932105 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a web-based intervention to help individuals with neurodegenerative movement disorders, such as Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease, manage anxiety symptoms. The approach involves cognitive bias modification, which trains participants to reinterpret ambiguous situations in a less threatening way. By addressing negative thought patterns, the goal is to make anxious thinking more flexible and manageable. The research aims to adapt existing programs specifically for individuals with movement disorders, ensuring they meet their unique needs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are diagnosed with Huntington's disease or Parkinson's disease and experience anxiety symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have neurodegenerative movement disorders or those without anxiety symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative movement disorders, improving their overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary work has shown feasibility for similar cognitive bias modification approaches in this population, indicating potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Charlottesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Affective DisordersAnxiety Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.