How serotonin affects mental effort during stress

Neurocomputational mechanisms of serotonin, sustained stress, and mental effort allocation

NIH-funded research Brown University · NIH-10984600

This study is looking at how serotonin affects how we manage our mental energy when we're under stress, helping us understand how our brains work in tough situations, which could be useful for anyone dealing with stress in their daily lives.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBrown University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Providence, United States)
Project IDNIH-10984600 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how serotonin influences the way people allocate their mental effort when faced with sustained stress. It aims to understand the neurocomputational mechanisms behind cognitive control, particularly in situations where stress is ongoing and potentially uncontrollable. By using a combination of psychopharmacology and advanced brain imaging techniques, the study will explore how individuals adjust their focus and responses under stress. This could provide insights into the cognitive processes that affect productivity and well-being.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic stress or anxiety, particularly those with cognitive control challenges.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience stress-related cognitive issues or those with severe neurological impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for managing stress and improving cognitive performance in challenging situations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of serotonin in stress and cognitive control, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Providence, 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 Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.