Investigating the brain's connections in PTSD and trauma.
Official title: Structural and Functional Architecture of Cortico-Cerebellar Systems in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11102195 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a part of the brain called the cerebellum, which helps with movement, also plays a role in emotions and thinking for people with PTSD, to find new ways to help treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | May 7, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $610,152 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH139648-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11102195 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults and children diagnosed with PTSD or those who have been exposed to trauma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a history of trauma or those not diagnosed with PTSD may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how the cerebellum, a brain region traditionally associated with motor control, is involved in the emotional and cognitive aspects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By analyzing neuroimaging and clinical data from over 1,887 individuals with PTSD and trauma-exposed controls, the study aims to understand the structural and functional connectivity of the cerebellum with other brain regions involved in stress and fear processing. The goal is to identify potential new treatment targets for PTSD by examining how these brain connections are affected by trauma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatment options for individuals suffering from PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain connectivity in PTSD, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morey, Rajendra a — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Morey, Rajendra a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation for PTSD in Veterans
A non-invasive device gently stimulates the vagus nerve to help reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans.
-
Computationally mapping PTSD to better diagnosis and personalized care
A research project uses computer tools to find brain-based patterns that could help diagnose PTSD more clearly and tailor treatments for Veterans and others with PTSD.
-
PTSD, Faster Aging, and Veteran Health
A study to see whether PTSD makes aging happen faster in veterans and how this could affect their health and care.
-
Understanding how sensing sounds and sights affect PTSD
A study by the University of Texas Health Houston explores how abnormal brain sensing and fear networks contribute to PTSD and how these insights could guide future treatments.
-
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.
-
Mobile health support for people with opioid use disorder and PTSD after residential treatment
A mobile health tool will help adults with opioid use disorder and PTSD stay connected to support after they leave residential treatment.
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.