Understanding Brain Pathways for Fear in Anxiety Disorders
Investigation of a thalamic-hippocampal pathway in contextual fear suppression and extinction
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11196765
This project explores how a specific brain pathway helps control and reduce fear memories, which could lead to new ways to help people with anxiety disorders like PTSD.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11196765 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) makes life very difficult for many people, causing flashbacks, anxiety, and hyperarousal. Current treatments don't work for everyone, partly because we don't fully understand how traumatic memories are formed and how fear can be suppressed. This project focuses on a brain area called the Nucleus Reuniens (NR) in the thalamus, which appears to be important for reducing fear. By studying how the NR interacts with other brain regions, we hope to uncover the brain's natural ways of overcoming fear.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who experience anxiety disorders, particularly PTSD, may eventually benefit from the new treatment approaches that could arise from this fundamental brain research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct participation in a clinical trial will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a deeper understanding of fear suppression, paving the way for more effective treatments for PTSD and other anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has highlighted the Nucleus Reuniens' role in fear memory suppression, suggesting this project builds on a promising area of neuroscience.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHEFFIELD, MARK E J — UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: SHEFFIELD, MARK E J
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.
Conditions: Anxiety Disorders