Investigating brain markers related to risk-taking behavior

Neurophysiological biomarkers in preclinical assays of risk propensity

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11116004

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 IDNIH-11116004 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

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

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

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 performed: 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

La Jolla, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.