NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

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.

More Anxiety research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nevada Las Vegas
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Las Vegas, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2023
Project endFebruary 29, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$156,747
NIH project number5K23DA054299-03
Project IDNIH-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

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.