Exploring how memory affects the ability to feel pleasure
Official title: Testing a Memory-Based Hypothesis for Anhedonia
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11218706 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the inability to feel pleasure, often seen in conditions like depression and PTSD, might be connected to memory issues, especially in remembering enjoyable experiences, to help improve treatments for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 23, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $82,192 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MH128306-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11218706 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults over 21 who experience symptoms of anhedonia or related psychiatric conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience anhedonia or related psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure, which is common in various psychiatric disorders like depression and PTSD. The study aims to understand whether anhedonia is linked to memory problems, particularly how individuals recall the value of pleasurable experiences. By examining the biological underpinnings of anhedonia, the research seeks to establish a clearer definition and potentially improve treatment approaches. Participants may undergo assessments that evaluate their memory and reward processing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for individuals suffering from anhedonia and related psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While research on anhedonia is growing, this specific approach focusing on memory as a contributing factor is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yassa, Michael a — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Yassa, Michael a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.