Understanding how brain regions influence decision-making and compulsive behaviors

Frontostriatal Dynamics During Decision-Making

NIH-funded research University of California Berkeley · NIH-11046820

This study looks at how different parts of the brain work together to influence decision-making and control compulsive behaviors, like those seen in addiction and eating disorders, with the hope of finding new ways to help people manage these challenges.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Berkeley NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Berkeley, United States)
Project IDNIH-11046820 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the brain's decision-making processes, particularly focusing on how certain areas of the brain, like the orbitofrontal cortex and caudate nucleus, interact to control compulsive behaviors seen in disorders such as addiction and eating disorders. By examining the dynamics between these brain regions, the research aims to uncover how automatic and goal-directed decision-making processes are managed. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for managing compulsive behaviors and improving decision-making in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by compulsive behaviors, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, addiction, or eating disorders.

Not a fit: Patients without neuropsychiatric disorders or those whose compulsive behaviors are not linked to decision-making processes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals struggling with compulsive behaviors and decision-making disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the brain's decision-making processes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

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 Affective 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.