Understanding how brain pathways affect anxiety and defensive behavior in adolescents
Official title: Superior Colliculus Pathways for Defensive Behavior and Emotional Arousal
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11141130 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific part of the brain helps teenagers handle feelings of fear and anxiety, and it’s for young people aged 12 to 20 who want to understand more about their emotions and how they can be better supported.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $582,354 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134972-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11141130 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be experiencing anxiety symptoms or disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those without anxiety-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the superior colliculus, a part of the brain, in managing defensive behaviors and emotional responses, particularly in adolescents aged 12 to 20. By using advanced imaging techniques and machine learning, the study aims to explore how these brain pathways contribute to anxiety disorders, which are common during this developmental stage. Participants will be involved in community-based functional magnetic resonance imaging studies to assess their brain activity in response to various emotional and threatening stimuli. The goal is to gain insights that could lead to better understanding and treatment of anxiety in young people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for anxiety disorders in adolescents, enhancing their emotional well-being and coping strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain pathways related to anxiety, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kragel, Philip Augustus — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kragel, Philip Augustus
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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.