Understanding how the brain processes acute and potential threats
Using Theory- and Data-Driven Neurocomputational Approaches and Digital Phenotyping to Understand RDoC Acute and Potential Threat
This study is looking at how our brains react to different kinds of threats, like immediate dangers and those we might worry about in the future, and it's for anyone interested in understanding fear and anxiety better, with hopes of finding better ways to help people with anxiety disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099740 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain perceives and responds to different types of threats, specifically acute and potential dangers. By using advanced neurocomputational methods and digital phenotyping, the study aims to explore the brain's threat response mechanisms, particularly focusing on areas like the Amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Participants will be recruited from a diverse community and will engage in tasks designed to measure their threat anticipation and anxiety responses. The goal is to better understand the nuances of fear and anxiety, which could lead to improved treatments for anxiety disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are individuals from diverse backgrounds who experience elevated symptoms of fear or anxiety.
Not a fit: Patients with no history of anxiety or fear-related symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective interventions for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders by providing insights into their underlying mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using computational models to understand threat responses is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in advancing our understanding of anxiety and fear mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
College Park, United States
- Univ of Maryland, College Park — College Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shackman, Alexander Joseph — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Shackman, Alexander Joseph
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.