Understanding how the brain learns to avoid fear in PTSD patients
Neural correlates of active avoidance learning and their interactions with fear extinction mechanisms in PTSD patients
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11179316
This study is looking at how the brain helps people with PTSD learn to avoid things that scare them and how this connects to overcoming their fears, using brain scans to compare those with PTSD and those who have experienced trauma but don’t have PTSD.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11179316 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms involved in active avoidance learning and how they interact with fear extinction in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using a novel conditioning and active avoidance paradigm, the study will employ functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to observe brain activity in both PTSD patients and healthy individuals with trauma exposure. The goal is to understand how the brain processes fear and avoidance, which could lead to improved treatments for PTSD. Participants will be monitored to see how their brain responds to fear-related stimuli and how they learn to avoid these fears.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with PTSD as well as healthy controls who have experienced trauma.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have PTSD or a history of trauma may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating PTSD by enhancing our understanding of fear and avoidance mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding fear conditioning and extinction in both animal models and healthy human subjects, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights in PTSD as well.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MILAD, MOHAMMED R — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: MILAD, MOHAMMED R
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.