How the brain processes hypothetical choices and regrets
Official title: Neuroeconomic mechanisms of counterfactual thinking
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11126710 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain cells help us think about choices we didn't make and the feelings of regret that come with them, which could help us understand decision-making better, especially for people with mental health challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $716,626 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136230-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126710 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive impairments related to decision-making, particularly those with affective disorders such as depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cognitive impairments or affective disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how neurons in the brain integrate hypothetical information when making decisions, particularly focusing on counterfactual thinking and regret processing. By studying the nucleus accumbens, a key area involved in decision-making, the research aims to uncover how the brain evaluates unselected alternatives and their potential outcomes. Using advanced imaging and circuit-dissection technologies, the study will analyze the activity of specific neuron populations to understand their role in assigning value to missed opportunities. This could provide insights into cognitive functions that are often impaired in psychiatric disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment of cognitive dysfunctions related to decision-making and affective disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is innovative, similar studies in neuroeconomics have shown promise in understanding decision-making processes.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sweis, Brian Musa — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Sweis, Brian Musa
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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.