How Brain Circuits Control Decision-Making
Frontostriatal Dynamics During Decision-Making
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · NIH-11196192
This work explores how different parts of the brain work together to control our choices, especially when we experience compulsive behaviors related to conditions like addiction or eating disorders.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BERKELEY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11196192 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our brains have complex ways of making decisions, sometimes acting on quick habits and other times making careful, thought-out choices. This project looks at how specific brain areas, like the orbitofrontal cortex and caudate nucleus, interact to manage these different types of decisions. We believe that in conditions involving compulsive behaviors, the brain's ability to switch from automatic habits to more deliberate choices might be impaired. Understanding this process could help us learn why some behaviors become compulsive and how to better support individuals facing these challenges.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to individuals living with neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by compulsive behaviors, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, obesity, eating disorders, and addiction.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions involving compulsive behaviors or those not interested in basic brain function research may not directly benefit from this particular study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a deeper understanding of the brain mechanisms behind compulsive behaviors, potentially paving the way for new treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Existing theories of decision-making and recent psychophysics results provide a foundation for this work, suggesting that similar approaches have contributed to our understanding of brain function.
Where this research is happening
BERKELEY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY — BERKELEY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WALLIS, JONI D — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY
- Study coordinator: WALLIS, JONI D
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 below.
Conditions: Affective Disorders