Reducing fear of animals using brain reinforcement techniques
Official title: Unconscious reduction of fear through decoded neuro-reinforcement
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11034117 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people who are afraid of animals by using brain imaging to change how their brains react to fear, so they won’t have to face their fears directly and can feel more comfortable.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $596,016 |
| NIH project number | 5R33MH135002-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11034117 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience specific phobias related to animals and have difficulty undergoing traditional exposure therapy due to high levels of distress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have specific phobias or those whose fears are not related to animals may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to help individuals with specific phobias, particularly fear of animals, by using advanced brain imaging techniques to reduce their fear responses without the need for traditional exposure therapy. By employing decoded fMRI information, the study will focus on altering brain activity in the amygdala, which is responsible for fear processing, to create unconscious changes in how patients respond to their fears. Participants will not have to confront their fears directly, making the process less distressing. The study is designed to be rigorous, using a double-blind placebo-controlled approach to ensure reliable results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, less distressing treatment option for individuals suffering from specific phobias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuro-reinforcement techniques for fear reduction, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Craske, Michelle G — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Craske, Michelle G
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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.