Understanding how dopamine affects brain activity and behavior

Dissecting the Synaptic and Cellular Actions of Dopamine in Vivo - Diversity Supplement

NIH-funded research New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11063632

This study is looking at how a brain chemical called dopamine affects motivation and behavior, especially for people dealing with depression and anxiety, to help find better treatments for these conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11063632 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of dopamine, a key brain chemical, in motivating and reinforcing actions, particularly in relation to psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety. By examining how dopamine interacts with serotonin during reward-driven behaviors, the study aims to uncover the complex signaling patterns that influence mental health. The research employs advanced techniques to measure dopamine release and its effects on brain activity, providing insights into how these neuromodulators work together. This understanding could lead to improved treatments for psychiatric disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety who are interested in understanding the biological underpinnings of their conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have psychiatric conditions or those who are not experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-targeted therapies for conditions like depression and anxiety by clarifying the roles of dopamine and serotonin in brain function.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the roles of dopamine and serotonin in brain function, 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.