Understanding brain activity related to anxiety and threat avoidance in humans
Official title: Dorsal Anterior Cingulate and Anterior Insula computations during threat avoidance in Humans
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11009810 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $418,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH138291-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009810 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders who experience significant distress and impairment in their daily lives.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with anxiety disorders who are already effectively managing their symptoms with current therapies may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Damisah, Eyiyemisi — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Damisah, Eyiyemisi
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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.