Understanding how stress affects men and women differently in the brain

Sex Differences in the Neurobiological Significance of Orexin Stress Signaling

['FUNDING_R15'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA · NIH-10291077

This study is looking at how men and women's brains react differently to stress, which could help us understand why women might face more emotional challenges and men might be at greater risk for suicide, with the hope of finding better treatments for stress-related mental health problems.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R15']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (VERMILLION, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10291077 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the differences in how male and female brains respond to stress, focusing on specific brain regions involved in emotional regulation. By examining genetic markers and neural circuits in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, the study aims to uncover why women are more prone to psychological disorders while men have higher suicide rates. The research utilizes advanced techniques to analyze the role of orexin receptors in modulating stress responses, which could lead to targeted treatments for stress-related mental health issues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience stress-related mental health issues.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience stress-related disorders or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for stress-related mental health disorders tailored to the specific needs of men and women.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding sex differences in stress responses, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

VERMILLION, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Mental disorders, Mental health disorders, Psychiatric Disease, Psychiatric Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.