Enhancing fear extinction with brain-friendly training for anxiety disorders
Official title: Uncovering neurocognitive mechanisms and enhancement of exposure-based fear learning with cognitive training
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11365430 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A computer-based working memory training study aims to help people with anxiety disorders improve their response to exposure therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $684,740 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH141088-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365430 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders who are candidates for exposure-based treatment and are willing to engage in computer-based training may join.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not respond to memory training or cannot participate in computerized tasks may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores how strengthening working memory through targeted cognitive training might boost how well people learn to tolerate feared situations during exposure therapy. Researchers from UC San Diego will run experiments to see if memory training changes brain processes linked to fear extinction and reduce anxiety symptoms. The approach uses computer-based tasks that are easy to administer and could be implemented alongside standard treatments if effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the training could make exposure therapy work better and help more people reduce anxiety.
How similar studies have gone: Initial data suggest memory training can influence fear learning, but more research is needed to confirm clinical benefits.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bomyea, Jessica — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Bomyea, Jessica
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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.