How breathing affects emotions and anxiety

RESPIRATORY CONTROL AND EMOTION REGULATION

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10885132

This study is looking at how the way we breathe can affect our feelings, especially when we're anxious or scared, by observing mice to understand how their brains control breathing and emotions, which could help find new ways to treat emotional issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10885132 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the neural pathways that connect breathing patterns to emotional states, particularly focusing on anxiety and fear. By studying mice, the researchers aim to identify how the brain regulates breathing and how this regulation can influence emotional responses. The study will utilize advanced behavioral, physiological, and neuroanatomical techniques to explore these connections, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches for emotional disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety, fear, or panic disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with stable emotional states or those not experiencing anxiety-related disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new methods for treating anxiety and other emotional disorders through controlled breathing techniques.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between breathing and emotional regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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.
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.