Understanding how brain circuits respond to fear and panic
Official title: Identification of Brain Circuits Underlying Fear and Panic
Funded at Iowa City VA Medical Center · NIH-11061819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain brain areas in mice react to fear and panic, especially when they feel like they can't breathe, to help us understand why some people with anxiety disorders, like PTSD, have strong defensive reactions, which could lead to better treatments for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa City VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2BX006118-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from anxiety disorders, especially veterans experiencing PTSD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without anxiety disorders or those not experiencing significant fear or panic responses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain circuits involved in fear and panic responses by analyzing neural signals from multiple brain regions in mice. The study focuses on how these circuits react to threats, such as the sensation of suffocation caused by carbon dioxide exposure. By employing advanced neuroscience techniques, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind exaggerated defensive responses, which are common in conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings could lead to better understanding and treatment options for individuals suffering from anxiety-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with anxiety disorders, particularly those with PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain circuits related to fear and anxiety, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa City VA Medical Center
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chan, Aubrey C — Iowa City VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Chan, Aubrey C
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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.