Improving social connections by targeting dopamine responses
Official title: Targeting Dopamine-Mediated Social Reward Sensitivity to Remediate Social Disconnection
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10812510 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether boosting the brain's dopamine levels can help people with anxiety and depression feel more excited about social interactions, making it easier for them to connect with others.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,191,148 |
| NIH project number | 5R61MH129380-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10812510 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing clinical levels of anxiety or depression who struggle with social disconnection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have anxiety or depression, or those who are not experiencing social disconnection, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how enhancing the dopamine system can improve social reward sensitivity in individuals suffering from anxiety and depression. By pharmacologically modulating dopamine levels, the study aims to increase anticipation of social rewards, which may lead to better social connections. The approach involves a two-phase project that tests the effects of these interventions on social connectedness in patients with clinical anxiety or depression. Participants will be monitored for changes in their motivation and behavior towards social interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve social connections for patients with anxiety and depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that targeting the dopamine system can influence social behavior, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Charles — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Charles
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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.