Understanding how the brain processes reward anticipation in schizophrenia
Official title: Computational Dissection of Neural Circuit Mechanisms Underlying Anticipatory Anhedonia in Schizophrenia
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11058205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with schizophrenia can have a hard time expecting pleasure, and it aims to understand the brain processes behind this feeling so that we can better help those who experience it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 16, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $811,404 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH136214-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who experience symptoms of anhedonia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of schizophrenia or those who do not experience anhedonia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms behind anticipatory anhedonia, a condition where individuals with schizophrenia struggle to anticipate pleasure. By employing a computational psychiatry approach, the study aims to dissect the neural circuitry involved in reward anticipation and its connection to cognitive deficits. The researchers will develop a computational model to predict behavioral and neural responses related to reward anticipation and create new experimental methods to measure these processes in the brain. This innovative approach builds on previous findings from fMRI studies with healthy individuals, aiming to provide deeper insights into the challenges faced by those with schizophrenia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for anhedonia in schizophrenia, potentially enhancing patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized computational models in related fields, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iigaya, Kiyohito — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Iigaya, Kiyohito
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Why people with schizophrenia have trouble anticipating pleasure
This project uses computer-based brain models and brain scans to understand why people with schizophrenia often don’t feel pleasure when they expect a reward.
-
Understanding social disconnection in schizophrenia using digital signals and brain data
This grant explores how smartphones, social networks, and brain imaging can reveal why Veterans with schizophrenia have trouble forming and maintaining relationships, with the goal of guiding better treatments.
-
Understanding how autism and schizophrenia risk genes affect brain development
Scientists are testing how mutations in certain autism and schizophrenia risk genes change brain cells and networks, using patient-derived cells and organoids.
-
Digital support to spread team-based schizophrenia care in primary care in India
A project to help frontline health workers in India use digital tools to provide coordinated schizophrenia care in primary care, with plans to inform care in the United States as well.
-
Digital support for shared-care of schizophrenia in primary care in India
A patient-friendly plan to bring evidence-based schizophrenia care to primary care in India using digital tools and trained frontline workers.
-
Digital support to scale Schizophrenia care in primary care in India
A nationwide effort to help primary care teams in India deliver better, more accessible schizophrenia care using digital tools and trained frontline workers.
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.