NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Investigating brain markers related to risk-taking behavior

Official title: Neurophysiological biomarkers in preclinical assays of risk propensity

Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11116004 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how taking risks is connected to conditions like anorexia and gambling problems, and it aims to find new treatments that can help people make healthier choices.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$624,368
NIH project number1R56MH137332-01
Project IDNIH-11116004 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, gambling disorder, or other conditions associated with abnormal risk-taking behaviors.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not exhibit significant risk-taking behaviors or those with unrelated psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores how different levels of risk-taking behavior can be linked to various neuropsychiatric conditions, such as anorexia nervosa and gambling disorder. By using advanced behavioral assays in animal models, the study aims to identify neurophysiological markers that correlate with these behaviors. The goal is to develop new pharmacological treatments that can help shift risk-taking tendencies towards healthier levels, potentially improving outcomes for affected individuals. The research will involve testing these new approaches in a controlled environment to gather meaningful data.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for psychiatric conditions characterized by extreme risk-taking behaviors.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neurophysiological markers to understand decision-making processes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Diego
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Dulawa, Stephanie C — University of California, San Diego
  • Study coordinator: Dulawa, Stephanie C

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.