Understanding and improving motivation and pleasure in mood and psychotic disorders

Negative Symptoms, Cognition, and Functional Connectivity: Optimizing Transdiagnostic Relationships by Leveraging Advanced Techniques

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-11165377

This study is looking at how mood and psychotic disorders can make people feel less motivated and less pleasure in everyday life, and it’s designed for those who experience these symptoms to help find better ways to support them.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11165377 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the negative symptoms of reduced motivation and pleasure in individuals with mood disorders and psychotic disorders. It aims to better understand the cognitive and neural bases of these symptoms by using advanced techniques such as ecological momentary assessment and mobile cognitive testing. By capturing the variability in symptoms and their presentation, the study seeks to inform more effective clinical interventions tailored to individual needs. Participants may engage in assessments that utilize naturalistic stimuli and functional connectivity analysis to explore their experiences.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mood disorders or psychotic disorders who experience negative symptoms related to motivation and pleasure.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have mood disorders or psychotic disorders, or those without significant negative symptoms, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for individuals experiencing debilitating symptoms of reduced motivation and pleasure.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using advanced assessment techniques to understand and treat similar symptoms, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, 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.
Conditions Affective Disordersbipolar affective disorderbipolar diseaseBipolar Disorder
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.