Understanding how brain interactions affect social behaviors in autism and anxiety
Official title: Role of opioid-glutamate interactions in intrinsically rewarded social behaviors
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11083661 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain affects social communication, especially for people with autism, anxiety, and depression, by exploring how certain brain areas help us enjoy social interactions, and it hopes to find ways to improve these interactions for those who struggle with them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $165,219 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH134420-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083661 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, anxiety spectrum disorders, or depression who experience challenges in social communication.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autism spectrum disorders or significant social communication challenges may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that influence social communication, particularly in individuals with autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, and depression. It focuses on how certain brain regions and receptors are involved in rewarding social interactions that are typically enjoyable but can become challenging for some individuals. By studying the communication patterns of songbirds, the research aims to identify the role of specific brain components in facilitating non-sexual, affiliative behaviors. The findings could lead to a better understanding of social deficits and potential therapeutic targets for improving social interactions in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of social communication deficits and lead to improved interventions for individuals with autism and anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding social behaviors through similar neural mechanisms, indicating potential for success in this area of research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Riters, Lauren V — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Riters, Lauren V
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.