Understanding how loss and reward affect mental health conditions

Evaluating overlap and distinctiveness in neurocomputational loss and reward elements of the RDoC matrix

NIH-funded research Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10897263

This study is looking at how problems with understanding loss and reward might be linked to conditions like depression, anxiety, and lack of pleasure, and it's designed for people who experience these issues to help improve treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Blacksburg, United States)
Project IDNIH-10897263 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how disruptions in loss and reward valuation relate to various psychiatric conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety, and anhedonia. By using a data-driven approach, the study aims to clarify the relationships between these valuation elements and specific symptoms experienced by patients. It combines clinical and experimental data to explore how these factors are interconnected and whether they are stable traits or fluctuating states. The goal is to enhance our understanding of these mechanisms to improve treatment strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing clinically significant mood disorders, anxiety, or anhedonia.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to mood, anxiety, or reward valuation may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from mood disorders and anxiety by providing insights into their underlying mechanisms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using computational approaches to understand psychiatric conditions, indicating that this methodology could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Blacksburg, 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 2026-06-13 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.