Mapping brain circuits related to anxiety

Direct Intracranial Electrophysiological Mapping of Insular Circuits for Anxiety in the Human Brain

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10991348

This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain, especially the anterior insular cortex, are connected to anxiety, with the goal of finding better ways to help people who struggle with anxiety disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10991348 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the neural circuits in the human brain that are associated with anxiety, focusing specifically on the anterior insular cortex. Using advanced techniques like intracranial electrophysiological mapping, the study aims to understand how these brain circuits function and how they relate to anxiety symptoms. By analyzing brain activity in real-time, researchers hope to uncover new insights that could lead to more effective treatments for anxiety disorders. This research is particularly important as current treatment options for anxiety are limited.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety disorders or related symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have anxiety disorders or related symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies that more effectively address anxiety disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of anxiety, previous studies have shown success in mapping brain circuits for other conditions using similar techniques.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.
Conditions Anxiety Disordersanxiety spectrum disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.