How MDMA affects fear responses in the brain
Official title: Circuit and subcellular basis of MDMA effects on innate and learned fear
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11324056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how MDMA might help change the way our brains handle fear, which could be useful for people dealing with anxiety and trauma, by using special imaging to see how it affects certain brain areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $508,952 |
| NIH project number | 1R56MH137464-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from anxiety disorders or PTSD who may benefit from new therapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have anxiety disorders or PTSD may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how MDMA, a substance known to enhance the extinction of fear memories, affects brain circuits involved in fear responses. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to understand the structural changes in the brain's frontal cortex and how these changes relate to fear behaviors after MDMA treatment. The research will also explore how specific neural populations in the brain represent fear differently and how manipulating these circuits can influence fear responses. This could lead to new insights into treating anxiety and trauma-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for anxiety and PTSD by enhancing the extinction of fear memories.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that MDMA can be effective in enhancing psychotherapy for PTSD, indicating potential success for similar approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaye, Alfred P — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Kaye, Alfred P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
A study testing whether ketamine can help people with PTSD better relearn and forget fear when given in a guided treatment plan.
-
Metabolic effects of PFAS exposure in the Cape Fear Basin (GenX Exposure Study)
This NIH grant studies how PFAS chemicals in drinking water may affect metabolism and weight-related health in adults and children living along the Cape Fear River.
-
Inflammation and fear learning in PTSD
This study looks at how a temporary inflammatory challenge affects fear extinction in people with and without PTSD to better understand how PTSD could be treated.
-
Sleep-based brain wiring of fear memory in the amygdala
A study in people or animals will look at how sleep helps the amygdala store fear memories by using advanced brain imaging and genetic tools to understand memory changes.
-
Spatial circuits in the prefrontal cortex that control fear and discrimination
Researchers are exploring how different parts of the prefrontal cortex help decide when to feel fear or not, with the goal of better understanding anxiety-related conditions.
-
Understanding and improving fear and safety learning in OCD
A study at Yale will test brain-based methods to help adults with OCD improve safety learning and fear extinction during therapy.
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.