Understanding how inflammation affects fear responses in PTSD
Inflammatory challenge and fear extinction: A model to enhance understanding of posttraumatic stress disorder
This study is looking at how inflammation in the body might affect the way people with PTSD learn to overcome their fears, and it’s for anyone who has experienced trauma and wants to understand how their body might be impacting their healing process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern California Institute/res/edu NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004251 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between inflammation and fear extinction in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It aims to understand how acute inflammatory responses can impair the ability to learn and recall fear inhibition, which is crucial for effective PTSD treatment. By examining both men and women who have experienced trauma, the study seeks to identify the mechanisms through which inflammation influences fear responses. The findings could lead to improved treatment strategies that incorporate anti-inflammatory interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced trauma and are diagnosed with PTSD, as well as trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced trauma or do not have PTSD may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for PTSD by targeting inflammation to enhance fear extinction processes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that inflammation can negatively impact fear extinction, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- Northern California Institute/res/edu — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'donovan, Aoife — Northern California Institute/res/edu
- Study coordinator: O'donovan, Aoife
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.