Investigating how chronic stress influences habit formation in the brain
Official title: Do opposing amygdala-striatal pathways enable chronic stress to promote habit formation?
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11192905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $615,423 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA058374-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11192905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing chronic stress or those with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic stress or have no history of mental health issues may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wassum, Kate M — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Wassum, Kate M
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.