Exploring how virtual reality can help understand learning differences in PTSD
Official title: Using novel virtual reality tasks to identify neural mechanisms of discrimination learning in PTSD
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10953535 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how people with PTSD can learn to tell the difference between safe and dangerous situations using virtual reality games, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve their understanding and treatment of the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | December 6, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $602,764 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131532-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953535 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with PTSD or have experienced trauma but do not have PTSD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 21 years old or those without any history of trauma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) learn to distinguish between safe and threatening cues in their environment using novel virtual reality tasks. Participants will engage in VR scenarios designed to assess their ability to recognize and respond to different cues associated with threat and reward. By examining brain activity during these tasks, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that contribute to the difficulties faced by those with PTSD in processing contextual information. The findings could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for PTSD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for individuals suffering from PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality in psychological research is growing, this specific approach to studying discrimination learning in PTSD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suarez-Jimenez, Benjamin — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Suarez-Jimenez, Benjamin
Related research
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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.