Understanding how brain circuits influence decision-making and addiction
Official title: CRCNS: Decision dynamics in cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic networks
Funded at Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-11087511 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain brain networks help us make decisions, especially when it comes to issues like opioid addiction and obesity, to find ways to improve treatments for these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $318,458 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059993-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087511 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals struggling with addiction or obesity, as well as those interested in understanding the neurological basis of their decision-making behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues related to addiction or obesity may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific brain circuits, known as cortico-basal-ganglia-thalamic (CBGT) networks, process information to help make decisions, especially in the context of addictive behaviors like opioid addiction and obesity. By combining theoretical models and empirical investigations, the research aims to uncover how these circuits adapt to changing environments and feedback, which is crucial for understanding decision-making processes. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how these brain pathways function and how they can be targeted for treatment of addiction-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for addiction and related disorders by enhancing our understanding of decision-making processes in the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain circuits related to decision-making and addiction, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Verstynen, Timothy D — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Verstynen, Timothy D
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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.