Understanding how the brain regulates emotions
Official title: Lateral prefrontal organization in emotion: representational and causal mechanisms
Funded at University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-11078818 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $472,223 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH134000-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078818 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who experience mood or anxiety disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have mood or anxiety disorders may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lapate, Regina — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Lapate, Regina
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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.