Understanding how serotonin affects aggression and social behaviors

Serotonergic modulation of aggressive and prosocial behaviors

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11027418

This study is looking at how serotonin affects both aggressive and friendly behaviors, especially for people with mental health issues, to help us understand better ways to manage aggression.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11027418 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of serotonin in modulating aggressive and prosocial behaviors, particularly in the context of psychiatric disorders. By using advanced techniques such as optogenetics and miniaturized microscopes, the study aims to identify how serotonin influences these behaviors at a neural level. The researchers will explore the interactions between aggression and prosocial behavior, providing insights into the underlying mechanisms that govern these social behaviors. This work could lead to a better understanding of how to manage aggression in various psychiatric conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with psychiatric disorders characterized by aggression or difficulties in social interactions, such as autism spectrum disorder or bipolar disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who do not exhibit aggressive behaviors or social interaction difficulties may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing aggression and enhancing prosocial behaviors in patients with psychiatric disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of serotonin in behavior modulation, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.