Understanding how brain chemicals affect coping with fear and anxiety
Official title: Brainstem Modulation of Proactive Coping
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11013874 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a brain chemical called norepinephrine affects how we handle fear and anxiety, especially in people who have experienced early life trauma, to help find better ways to treat anxiety disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $430,119 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130603-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013874 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who experience anxiety disorders or maladaptive coping mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have anxiety disorders or related coping issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter linked to fear and anxiety, influences coping behaviors in individuals. By studying the brain's central amygdala and its connections to the brainstem, researchers aim to understand the balance between fear responses and proactive coping strategies. The study uses animal models to explore how early life trauma affects these mechanisms, potentially leading to better treatments for anxiety disorders. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the biological underpinnings of their conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for individuals struggling with anxiety and fear-related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of norepinephrine in anxiety, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sears, Robert Milton — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Sears, Robert Milton
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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.