How serotonin affects brain changes during adolescence and anxiety management

Serotonin-mediated reorganization of the adolescent medial prefrontal cortex

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO HEALTH SCI CAMPUS · NIH-11309214

This study is looking at how serotonin affects the teenage brain, especially in a part that helps control fear and anxiety, to find new ways to help young people with anxiety who might not feel better with usual treatments.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO HEALTH SCI CAMPUS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TOLEDO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11309214 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of serotonin in the adolescent brain, particularly focusing on how it influences the medial prefrontal cortex, a region involved in managing fear and anxiety. By studying mouse models, the research aims to understand how enhancing serotonin transmission can improve the brain's ability to regulate fear responses. The findings could lead to better treatment strategies for anxiety disorders in adolescents, especially for those who do not respond well to traditional therapies. The approach combines behavioral interventions with insights into brain chemistry to explore new avenues for anxiety management.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents aged 12-20 who are experiencing anxiety-related disorders.

Not a fit: Patients outside the adolescent age range or those without anxiety disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for anxiety disorders in adolescents, enhancing their emotional and social development.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in combining cognitive behavioral therapy with serotonin reuptake inhibitors, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

TOLEDO, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.