Understanding how anxiety and depression affect decision-making

Elucidating the relationship between decision-making under second-order uncertainty and dimensions of negative affect using computational modeling

NIH-funded research University of California Berkeley · NIH-11035214

This study is looking at how people with anxiety and depression make choices, especially when things are uncertain, to see if their decision-making struggles are similar or different, with the goal of finding better ways to support them in everyday life.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Berkeley NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Berkeley, United States)
Project IDNIH-11035214 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how individuals with anxiety and depression make decisions, particularly under uncertain conditions. By using computational modeling, the study aims to identify whether the decision-making difficulties faced by these individuals are similar or unique to each condition. The researchers will analyze responses from anxiety and depression questionnaires to explore the relationship between these mental health issues and decision-making processes. This approach seeks to improve our understanding of how to better support individuals facing these challenges in their daily lives.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders or depression, particularly those experiencing decision-making difficulties.

Not a fit: Patients without anxiety or depression, or those who do not experience decision-making challenges, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for individuals with anxiety and depression, enhancing their decision-making abilities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding decision-making in anxiety and depression, but this study aims to explore a novel approach by focusing on second-order uncertainty.

Where this research is happening

Berkeley, 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 Anxiety Disorders
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.