Targeting social avoidance behavior in patients with depression and anxiety
Official title: Personalized Neuromodulation Targeting Dysregulated Motivational Responses Underlying Social Avoidance Behavior
Funded at Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-10784274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how avoiding social situations affects people with depression and social anxiety, and it will use a special treatment to help improve their motivation and social interactions, making it easier for them to connect with others and feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Auburn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 16, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $176,979 |
| NIH project number | 1K23MH135222-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10784274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder who experience significant social avoidance behavior.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have internalizing disorders or those without social avoidance behavior may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social avoidance behavior (SAB) affects individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). It aims to use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to modify specific brain circuits involved in motivation and social interactions. By focusing on the connectivity between key brain regions, the study seeks to develop personalized interventions that can effectively reduce SAB, which is often resistant to current treatments. Patients will participate in targeted interventions designed to improve their social engagement and overall mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve social functioning and reduce symptoms in patients with depression and anxiety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuromodulation techniques like TMS to address similar behavioral issues, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Auburn University at Auburn
Auburn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, Travis Clark — Auburn University at Auburn
- Study coordinator: Evans, Travis Clark
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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.