Understanding how uncertainty affects mental health
Official title: Quantifying the cognitive processes supporting computations of stochasticity and volatility in humans
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10843239 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with anxiety and schizophrenia think about uncertainty, by seeing how their brains react to different kinds of confusing information, and it aims to help us understand these feelings better so we can find better ways to support those who experience them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $206,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH134217-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10843239 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing anxiety disorders or other mental health issues related to uncertainty.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable mental health and no history of anxiety or related disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cognitive processes that contribute to feelings of uncertainty in individuals with mental health disorders such as anxiety and schizophrenia. By examining how the brain processes different types of noise in observations, the study aims to identify specific computational mechanisms that may lead to cognitive dysfunctions. Participants will engage in a novel task designed to assess their responses to varying levels of uncertainty over time, providing insights into how these processes can differ among individuals. The findings could help clarify the relationship between uncertainty and mental illness, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for individuals suffering from anxiety and other mental health disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive processes related to uncertainty, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piray, Payam — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Piray, Payam
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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.