Developmental analysis of extinction of learned fear in rats

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This project aims to gain a better understanding of extinction (ie., loss) of learned fear in rats. Extinction is the process underlying exposure therapy, which is the most effective current treatment for anxiety disorders. Although most anxiety disorders are first diagnosed relatively early in life, we know very little about extinction of fear across development. However, recent findings have suggested that there are fundamental developmental differences in the extinction of fear, and the present project explores these differences in greater detail. By doing so, the project aims to increase our understanding of how fears can be inhibited, and may eventually lead to the development of age-appropriate treatments for anxiety disorders.