Exploring new treatment targets for depression and anxiety through decision-making behaviors in humans and animals.

Novel Treatment Targets For Affective Disorders Through Cross-Species Investigation of Approach/Avoidance Decision Making

NIH-funded research Mclean Hospital · NIH-10800725

This study is looking at how people with depression and anxiety make choices about moving toward or away from things, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve treatments for these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMclean Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Belmont, United States)
Project IDNIH-10800725 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the neurobiological mechanisms behind approach and avoidance behaviors in individuals with major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. By studying these behaviors across different species, including humans and animals, the research aims to identify new treatment targets and markers that can help track disease progression. The approach combines advanced techniques such as neuroimaging and genetic manipulation to gain insights into how these disorders affect decision-making. Patients may benefit from the development of more effective treatments based on the findings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing major depressive disorder or anxiety disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with other unrelated mental health conditions or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for depression and anxiety that improve patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of mental health disorders through similar cross-species approaches.

Where this research is happening

Belmont, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Anxiety DisordersMental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorderpsychological disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.