How brain stimulation affects emotional responses to stress
Official title: Neuromodulation of brain and emotional responses to psychological stress
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10948563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how short-term stress affects our feelings and body responses, and it’s for adults who want to understand how brain stimulation can change how we react to stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $176,180 |
| NIH project number | 1K01MH137517-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948563 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are midlife adults experiencing varying levels of mood symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic psychological conditions or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how acute psychological stress impacts emotional and physiological responses in adults. It aims to understand the neurobiological mechanisms behind these responses, particularly focusing on the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). Using noninvasive neuromodulation techniques like continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS), the study will assess how altering dACC activity can influence emotional and cardiovascular reactions to stress. Participants will undergo sessions of brain stimulation to observe changes in their affective states and physiological responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for managing emotional and physical health issues related to stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using neuromodulation techniques for emotional regulation, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kraynak, Thomas Edward — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kraynak, Thomas Edward
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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.