Understanding how the brain regulates emotions

Lateral prefrontal organization in emotion: representational and causal mechanisms

NIH-funded research University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-11078818

This study is looking at how a part of the brain helps people handle their emotions better, especially for adults dealing with mood and anxiety issues, and it hopes to find ways to improve treatments for those who struggle with their feelings.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Santa Barbara, United States)
Project IDNIH-11078818 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific areas of the brain, particularly the lateral prefrontal cortex, help individuals manage their emotions effectively. It aims to understand the mechanisms behind emotion regulation, especially in the context of mood and anxiety disorders, which affect many adults. By using advanced brain imaging techniques and other methodologies, the study will explore how these brain regions function and interact during emotional responses. The findings could lead to better treatments for those struggling with emotional regulation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who experience mood or anxiety disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have mood or anxiety disorders may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for mood and anxiety disorders, enhancing emotional well-being for many patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain functions related to emotion regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Santa Barbara, 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.
Conditions Affective Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.