Improving how the brain processes rewards in people with stress-related disorders
Official title: Modulating Endogenous Opiate Signaling to Reverse Stress-Induced Deficits in Reward Processing
Funded at New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-10987909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can boost the body's natural pain-relief system to help improve feelings of pleasure and reward in people dealing with stress-related mental health issues like depression and schizophrenia, using a special compound in animal models to find safer treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2024 |
| Project end | September 1, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $459,613 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH136484-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987909 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing major depressive disorder or schizophrenia, particularly those with significant deficits in reward processing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have stress-related psychiatric disorders or those who are not experiencing issues with reward processing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the body's natural opioid system can be modulated to improve reward processing in individuals suffering from stress-related psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. The study will use a specific compound to increase levels of endogenous enkephalins, which are natural opioids, in animal models that have been subjected to chronic stress. By observing changes in brain activity related to reward processing, the researchers aim to identify new treatment strategies that do not carry the risk of substance use disorders. The findings could lead to innovative therapies that better address the symptoms of these debilitating conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve reward processing and overall quality of life for patients with stress-related psychiatric disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using the opioid system to address similar issues, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights and potential breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Alexander — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Harris, Alexander
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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.