Understanding Brain Regions in Decision-Making and Behavior

THE ROLE OF PREFRONTAL REGIONS IN ECONOMIC CHOICE AND CHOICE-GUIDED BEHAVIOR

['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11177938

This work explores how different parts of the brain help us make choices, especially when these choices are affected by conditions like depression or addiction.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11177938 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our daily choices, like what to eat or how to act, can be disrupted in conditions such as frontotemporal dementia, major depression, and drug addiction. This project aims to uncover how the brain supports these decisions, focusing on areas like the orbitofrontal cortex. By understanding the brain's decision-making circuits, we hope to find new ways to help people whose choices are impacted by neurological and mental health challenges. This knowledge could eventually lead to better treatments and support for these conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future clinical applications may benefit individuals with frontotemporal dementia, major depression, or drug addiction.

Not a fit: Patients without neurological or mental disorders affecting economic choice behavior may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide a foundational understanding of brain function that leads to new strategies for treating neurological and mental disorders affecting decision-making.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work has made considerable progress in linking brain regions like the orbitofrontal cortex to decision-making processes, suggesting a promising foundation for this research.

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.

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.