Understanding how fear of heights affects behavior
Official title: Noradrenergic circuits in heights avoidance: an ethological, translatable threat behavior
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11049195 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains react to the fear of heights, which many people experience, by changing how we see heights to learn more about how this fear affects our behavior, and it could help us understand anxiety better for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | March 5, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $156,188 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH134183-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049195 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing anxiety disorders, particularly those with a fear of heights or related avoidance behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience anxiety or fear of heights may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural circuits involved in the fear of heights, a common anxiety trigger. By using a novel approach that manipulates visual perceptions of height, the study aims to create a controlled model to better understand how these perceptions influence behavior across different species, including humans. The research utilizes advanced techniques in circuit neuroscience to explore the connections between threat perception and behavioral responses, which could lead to new insights into anxiety and trauma-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for anxiety disorders related to fear and avoidance behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using behavioral models to study anxiety, but this specific approach to height-related fear is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaye, Alfred P — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Kaye, Alfred P
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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.