Investigating how chronic stress influences habit formation in the brain

Do opposing amygdala-striatal pathways enable chronic stress to promote habit formation?

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11192905

This study looks at how long-term stress affects the brain's ability to create habits, especially in areas linked to emotions and decision-making, to help people understand how stress might play a role in issues like anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11192905 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research explores the impact of chronic stress on the brain's ability to form habits, particularly focusing on the amygdala and striatal pathways. By examining how these neural circuits are affected by stress, the study aims to understand the mechanisms that lead to compulsive behaviors and decision-making difficulties. Patients may benefit from insights into how stress contributes to various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze brain activity and behavior in response to stress.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing chronic stress or those with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience chronic stress or have no history of mental health issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for mental health conditions exacerbated by chronic stress.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between stress and habit formation, indicating that this approach has potential for significant insights.

Where this research is happening

LOS ANGELES, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.