Understanding how uncertainty affects anxiety and related disorders
Official title: Computational Modeling of Ambiguity Aversion in Internalizing Disorders: Neural and Behavioral Markers, and a Test of Target Engagement
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11054132 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with anxiety feel and react when faced with uncertain situations, and it will involve 140 adults who experience anxiety and depression; the researchers want to see if a short activity can help them feel more comfortable with uncertainty.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | January 17, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,700 |
| NIH project number | 1K23MH136421-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054132 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience moderate to high levels of anxiety and intolerance to uncertainty.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience anxiety-related disorders or who have low intolerance to uncertainty may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individuals with anxiety-related disorders respond to uncertain situations, focusing on a concept known as ambiguity aversion. By using advanced computational modeling and brain activity measurements, the study aims to identify behavioral and neural markers associated with this aversion. The research will involve 140 adult participants who struggle with uncertainty, examining how their responses to ambiguous choices relate to their anxiety and depression levels. Additionally, a brief behavioral intervention will be tested to see if it can effectively reduce ambiguity aversion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for anxiety-related disorders by targeting the mechanisms of uncertainty tolerance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of uncertainty in anxiety, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rappaport, Brent Ian — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Rappaport, Brent Ian
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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.