Examining how a brief attention-based intervention affects fear responses.
Official title: A randomized controlled trial examining the impact of a brief attention-based neurobehavioral transdiagnostic intervention on acute fear response
Funded at Northern Illinois University · NIH-10291622 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new method called the Attention Training Technique to see if it can help people with PTSD and anxiety who haven't found relief from regular treatments by focusing on how they manage fear.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern Illinois University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (De Kalb, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $426,237 |
| NIH project number | 1R15MH125375-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10291622 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with fear-based psychological disorders, such as PTSD, panic disorder, or social anxiety, who have not responded to traditional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fear-based mental health conditions or those who have already found effective treatments for their disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new intervention called the Attention Training Technique (ATT) aimed at improving mental health outcomes for individuals experiencing fear-based psychological disorders such as PTSD and anxiety. The study focuses on understanding how this intervention can help individuals who do not respond to traditional psychological treatments by targeting underlying mechanisms of fear rather than just symptoms. Participants will engage in a brief neurobehavioral intervention designed to enhance attention control, which may lead to reduced fear responses. The research will assess the effectiveness of this approach through a randomized controlled trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for individuals with fear-based disorders who currently do not benefit from existing therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neurobehavioral interventions like ATT for treating various psychological disorders, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern Illinois University
De Kalb, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orcutt, Holly K — Northern Illinois University
- Study coordinator: Orcutt, Holly K
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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.