Understanding how slowed movement affects learning in depression
Clarifying the Role of Psychomotor Retardation in Reward-Based Reinforcement Learning Deficits in MDD: A Computational and fMRI Study
This study is looking at how slowed movement, a common symptom of depression, affects the way people learn from rewards, and it's designed for individuals with major depressive disorder to help understand how their brain works when it comes to learning.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10974485 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how psychomotor retardation, a common symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD), impacts the ability to learn from rewards. By using advanced computational modeling and fMRI technology, the study aims to identify specific processes involved in reward-based reinforcement learning that may be affected by slowed movement. Participants will undergo tasks designed to measure their learning and brain activity, helping to clarify the relationship between movement speed and learning outcomes in individuals with MDD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing symptoms of major depressive disorder, particularly those with psychomotor retardation.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have major depressive disorder or who are not experiencing psychomotor retardation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with depression by targeting specific learning deficits.
How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between psychomotor retardation and learning in depression is underexplored, similar studies have shown promise in understanding cognitive deficits in mental health disorders.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Letkiewicz, Allison — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Letkiewicz, Allison
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 below.