Understanding brain activity related to anxiety and threat avoidance in humans

Dorsal Anterior Cingulate and Anterior Insula computations during threat avoidance in Humans

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11009810

This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain work when people feel anxious or want to avoid scary situations, with the hope of finding better treatments for anxiety disorders that can help those who haven't found relief with current options.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11009810 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific brain regions, particularly the dorsal anterior cingulate and anterior insula, function during situations that provoke anxiety and threat avoidance. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms underlying anxiety disorders, which affect a significant portion of the population. By comparing human brain activity to findings from rodent models, the research seeks to bridge the gap in understanding how anxiety manifests in humans and how it can be treated more effectively. The goal is to identify potential targets for new therapies that could help those who do not respond to existing treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders who experience significant distress and impairment in their daily lives.

Not a fit: Patients with anxiety disorders who are already effectively managing their symptoms with current therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding anxiety through neuroimaging, but this study aims to provide novel insights that have not yet been fully explored in humans.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, 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 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.