How serotonin affects brain changes during adolescence and anxiety management
Official title: Serotonin-mediated reorganization of the adolescent medial prefrontal cortex
Funded at University of Toledo Health Sci Campus · NIH-11309214 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $545,759 |
| NIH project number | 1R56MH139698-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309214 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents aged 12-20 who are experiencing anxiety-related disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the adolescent age range or those without anxiety disorders may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ninan, Ipe — University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
- Study coordinator: Ninan, Ipe
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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.