Understanding how brain circuits affect our ability to adapt our thinking and behavior.

INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF HIPPOCAMPUS - ORBITOFRONTAL CIRCUITS FOR COGNITIVE FLEXIBILITY

['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC · NIH-11007250

This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain help us adapt our thinking and behavior when faced with new challenges, especially for people dealing with stress-related mental health issues, to find new ways to improve their ability to cope and think flexibly.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK STATE PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE DBA RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR MENTAL HYGIENE, INC (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11007250 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the neural circuits involved in cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to adjust thinking and behavior in response to new situations. It focuses on the connections between the ventral hippocampus and the orbitofrontal cortex, aiming to understand how these areas of the brain contribute to our ability to adapt and cope with stress. By studying these brain circuits, the research seeks to identify potential new treatments for cognitive impairments associated with psychiatric disorders, particularly those that arise from chronic stress. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative therapeutic approaches for improving cognitive flexibility.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing cognitive impairments related to chronic stress or psychiatric disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have cognitive flexibility deficits or those without psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance cognitive flexibility, helping patients better manage stress and reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain circuits related to cognitive flexibility, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, 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.