Understanding how brain signals affect mood and behavior

Neural Mechanisms and Neuromodulation of Affective States

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10949333

This study looks at how surprises in our surroundings can affect our feelings and actions by examining brain activity in monkeys, which could help us find better ways to treat mood disorders like depression.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10949333 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how violations of expectations in our environment lead to changes in our mood and behavior by studying brain activity. Using advanced neurophysiology techniques and computational models, the researchers aim to identify the specific brain circuits involved in processing these prediction errors. The study will involve observing the brain activity of macaques to understand how different types of prediction errors can influence affective states. This knowledge could help in developing targeted treatments for mood disorders like depression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing mood disorders, particularly those affected by prediction errors in their daily lives.

Not a fit: Patients with stable mood disorders who do not experience significant fluctuations in affective states may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target the brain circuits involved in mood regulation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain mechanisms related to mood, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.