Understanding how fear learning works in the brain to help PTSD
Official title: Differentiating fear generalization and extinction neuronal ensembles in prefrontal cortex
Funded at Vassar College · NIH-11292054 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how fear and safety memories are formed in the brain and how this relates to PTSD in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vassar College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Poughkeepsie, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $556,875 |
| NIH project number | 2R15MH127534-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11292054 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with or without PTSD who participate in brain-imaging or related behavioral studies.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who cannot participate in brain-imaging studies or who do not experience fear-related conditions may derive little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project will look at how fear generalization and extinction are processed in the human brain, focusing on the prefrontal cortex region linked to fear and safety learning. By comparing neuronal activity patterns in both human-like models and brain imaging data, the team aims to see whether these processes share neurons or use separate ones. The study combines animal research tools with human brain activity measures to bridge basic science and potential clinical relevance. Findings could improve our understanding of why fear memories persist and how they might be more effectively treated.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better insights into brain mechanisms of PTSD could inform new approaches to treatment and therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests distinct brain circuits for fear and extinction, with translational steps ongoing to link animal findings to humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bergstrom, Hadley Creighton — Vassar College
- Study coordinator: Bergstrom, Hadley Creighton
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
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Inflammation and fear learning in PTSD
This study looks at how a temporary inflammatory challenge affects fear extinction in people with and without PTSD to better understand how PTSD could be treated.
-
Sleep-based brain wiring of fear memory in the amygdala
A study in people or animals will look at how sleep helps the amygdala store fear memories by using advanced brain imaging and genetic tools to understand memory changes.
-
Spatial circuits in the prefrontal cortex that control fear and discrimination
Researchers are exploring how different parts of the prefrontal cortex help decide when to feel fear or not, with the goal of better understanding anxiety-related conditions.
-
Understanding and improving fear and safety learning in OCD
A study at Yale will test brain-based methods to help adults with OCD improve safety learning and fear extinction during therapy.
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.