Using a digital tool to help women cope with anxiety after sexual assault.
Official title: Development of a digital therapeutic targeting anxiety sensitivity to reduce PTSD-SUD in women presenting for emergency care after sexual assault.
Funded at University of Nevada Las Vegas · NIH-11042862 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful online tool designed to support women who have experienced sexual assault and are in emergency care by reducing their fear of anxiety, which can help prevent issues like PTSD and improve their mental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Las Vegas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Las Vegas, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $156,747 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DA054299-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042862 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have recently experienced sexual assault and are seeking emergency care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced sexual assault or those who do not have anxiety sensitivity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a digital therapeutic aimed at reducing anxiety sensitivity in women who have experienced sexual assault and are seeking emergency care. The approach involves using a brief digital intervention that targets the fear of anxious feelings, which can lead to conditions like PTSD and cannabis use disorder. By addressing anxiety sensitivity, the goal is to prevent the development of these conditions and improve overall mental health outcomes for survivors. Participants will engage with the digital tool as part of their care in emergency settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of PTSD and cannabis use disorder in women following sexual assault.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using digital therapeutics to address anxiety sensitivity, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Short, Nicole Amai — University of Nevada Las Vegas
- Study coordinator: Short, Nicole Amai
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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.