Understanding how the brain learns to feel safe during adolescence
Developmental Engagement of Neural Circuitry Underlying Safety Learning
This study is looking at how young people can learn to manage their fear, which is really important for helping those who deal with anxiety, and it uses mice to understand how certain signals can make them feel safer as they grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10770451 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that help adolescents learn to inhibit fear responses, which is crucial for treating anxiety disorders that often emerge during this developmental stage. By using advanced imaging techniques and behavioral models in mice, the study aims to uncover how safety signals can reduce fear during adolescence. The findings could lead to improved behavioral therapies tailored specifically for adolescents struggling with anxiety. The research focuses on the connections between brain regions involved in emotional regulation and how they change as adolescents grow.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are experiencing anxiety disorders.
Not a fit: Patients outside the adolescent age range or those without anxiety disorders may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for anxiety disorders in adolescents, improving their mental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding neural circuits related to fear and anxiety, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University (Charles River Campus) — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meyer, Heidi Catherine — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Meyer, Heidi Catherine
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.