Phasic and sustained fear in humans: neural basis and implication for anxiety disorders (C07)

• Subject Area: Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: from 2013 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 44541416

In the first funding period, we revealed in humans differential time courses and connectivity patterns of brief amygdala and sustained BNST activation during threat anticipation, which was modulated by genetic polymorphisms (BDNF and NPSR1) and by the diagnosis of anxiety disorders. In the new funding period we plan to further elucidate the functional neuroanatomy and connectivity of the amygdala and the BNST with ultra-high spatial resolution using a new 7 T MR scanner in Würzburg. Second, using the powerful sample of spider phobics we will investigate the association between treatment response to exposure therapy and brain activation to anticipatory threat, including investigation of the modulation of these effects by genetic polymorphisms.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 58: Fear, Anxiety, Anxiety Disorders
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Co-Applicant Institution: Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Martin J. Herrmann; Professor Dr. Thomas Straube