How cognitive behavioral therapy affects emotional responses and gut health differently in men and women
Sex related differences in the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on emotional arousal and salience circuits and the role of the gut microbiome
This study is looking at how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help improve feelings and gut health in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), while also checking if there are any differences between men and women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10903911 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) influences emotional arousal and gut microbiome health, focusing on differences between men and women. It aims to understand the brain-gut-microbiome axis and how CBT can alter brain connectivity and gut bacteria in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). By using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study will compare the effects of CBT on male and female IBS patients, assessing changes in emotional responses and gut health before and after treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), particularly those who are experiencing emotional arousal issues.
Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of IBS or those who do not experience emotional arousal issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for IBS that consider sex differences in therapy response.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using CBT for IBS, but this study specifically addresses sex differences, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mayer, Emeran a — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Mayer, Emeran a
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 below.