Understanding how serotonin affects social behavior
Official title: Neural mechanisms underlying sustained enhancement of sociability
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11049097 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how serotonin affects social interactions and how problems with serotonin might contribute to social challenges in people with autism and anxiety, with the goal of finding better treatments to help improve social skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | March 5, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $644,217 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136266-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049097 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or related social deficits.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with social behavior issues not related to serotonin dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of serotonin in social interactions and how its dysfunction can lead to social deficits in conditions like autism and anxiety. The study explores the effects of serotonin levels on sociability, comparing traditional treatments like SSRIs to more potent serotonin releasers. By examining the underlying neural mechanisms, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could enhance social behavior in affected individuals. Patients may be involved in assessments that help understand these mechanisms and their implications for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for enhancing social behavior in individuals with autism and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding serotonin's role in social behavior, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walsh, Jessica Jillian — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Walsh, Jessica Jillian
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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.