Targeting Fear Memories with Brain Stimulation for Anxiety
Neuromodulation of the fear extinction circuit using temporally and anatomically specific TMS in humans
This project explores how a type of brain stimulation called TMS can help people with conditions like PTSD reduce their fear memories.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180376 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are learning how specific brain circuits control fear and how to gently adjust them using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). While TMS has shown promise for mental health conditions, we want to understand exactly how it affects fear circuits and how to make it work even better. Our goal is to find the best ways to use TMS to help strengthen the brain's ability to overcome fear, especially for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We will also try to predict who might benefit most from this treatment based on their individual fear responses and other measures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be individuals with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who experience difficulties with fear extinction.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience fear-related conditions or who do not respond to TMS may not receive direct benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective and personalized TMS treatments for conditions involving excessive fear, such as PTSD.
How similar studies have performed: TMS has shown some clinical success in psychiatric conditions, but this project aims to optimize its application and understand its mechanisms in fear circuits more deeply.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milad, Mohammed R — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Milad, Mohammed R
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 below.