Understanding how fear is learned and remembered in PTSD
Computational Neuroscience to Decode Higher-Order Fear in PTSD
This study is looking at how people with PTSD learn to recognize and remember threats, so we can create better treatments that help them manage their fears in everyday life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138193 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on the computational neuroscience behind how individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) learn and remember threats. It aims to integrate laboratory findings with real-world experiences to better understand and treat trauma and anxiety. By studying how fear responses can be generalized beyond direct experiences, the research seeks to develop more effective therapies for those who struggle with PTSD. The approach includes analyzing brain mechanisms involved in higher-order threat learning, which has been well-studied in animals but not yet fully translated to humans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with PTSD.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have PTSD or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for PTSD that address a wider range of fear responses.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant success in understanding these mechanisms in animal studies, this approach in humans is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooper, Samuel Emerson — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Cooper, Samuel Emerson
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.