Understanding how brain circuits affect fear responses in PTSD
Neural substrates of extinction deficits in pathological fear
This study is looking at how certain brain cells in the amygdala, which help control fear, work in mice to understand why some people with PTSD continue to feel fear and anxiety after trauma, with hopes of finding new treatments for humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11007198 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific neurons in the amygdala, a brain region involved in fear regulation, to understand how traumatic experiences can lead to persistent fear and anxiety in individuals with PTSD. By studying mice, the researchers aim to identify how these neurons function and how they are affected by trauma. The ultimate goal is to translate these findings to humans, potentially leading to new treatments for PTSD that target these neural circuits. This research combines animal models with insights into human brain function to bridge the gap in understanding fear regulation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with PTSD who experience persistent fear and anxiety related to traumatic events.
Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of PTSD or those whose symptoms are not related to traumatic experiences may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapies that improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from PTSD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of amygdala circuits in fear regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Totty, Michael — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Totty, Michael
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.