Understanding Compulsive Behaviors and Anxiety
Project 2: Latent-cause inference in compulsivity
This project explores new ways to understand why people develop compulsive behaviors, like those seen in OCD and drug misuse, by looking at how the brain learns and adapts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167628 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring a new idea that compulsive behaviors might not just be strong habits, but could also stem from how the brain connects experiences to their causes. Sometimes, the brain might struggle to apply what it learns in one situation to another, leading to a persistent focus on certain goals or actions even when they are no longer helpful. This work aims to uncover the brain mechanisms behind this difficulty, which could explain why some behaviors become so rigid and hard to change. By understanding these processes, we hope to find better ways to help individuals struggling with compulsivity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for individuals interested in the underlying brain mechanisms of compulsive behaviors and anxiety disorders, rather than for direct patient participation at this stage.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or direct intervention for their condition would not receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways of thinking about and treating compulsive disorders, potentially offering more effective therapies for conditions like OCD and substance misuse.
How similar studies have performed: While the idea of an imbalance between goal-directed and habitual systems has been influential, this project proposes a novel mechanism for compulsivity, building on existing knowledge with a new perspective.
Where this research is happening
Princeton, UNITED STATES
- Princeton University — Princeton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zald, David Harold — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Zald, David Harold
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 below.