Using dopamine therapy to treat lack of pleasure in depression caused by inflammation
Official title: Dopaminergic Therapy for Inflammation-Related Anhedonia in Depression
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10917402 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation in the body might impact the brain's ability to produce dopamine, which helps with feelings of pleasure and motivation, and it's for people with depression who might not be feeling joy in their lives; by giving a medication called levodopa, the researchers hope to boost dopamine levels and see if it helps improve their mood and overall brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $694,945 |
| NIH project number | 5R33MH121625-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917402 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience anhedonia and have elevated levels of inflammation as indicated by high C-reactive protein.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have symptoms of depression or those whose anhedonia is not related to inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how inflammation affects the brain's dopamine system, which is linked to feelings of pleasure and motivation in individuals with depression. By administering a dopamine precursor called levodopa (L-DOPA), the study aims to enhance dopamine availability and improve symptoms of anhedonia, particularly in patients with elevated inflammatory markers. Participants will be monitored for changes in brain connectivity and symptoms after treatment, providing insights into the relationship between inflammation and depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with depression who do not respond to standard therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from similar studies suggest that enhancing dopamine availability can improve symptoms in patients with depression linked to inflammation, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Felger, Jennifer C — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Felger, Jennifer C
Related research
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Dopamine Treatment for Depression with Inflammation and Loss of Pleasure
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How sleep timing and length affect teen depression and ability to feel pleasure
This project looks at whether changing sleep timing and how long high-school teens sleep can help brain responses to reward and stress and reduce depressive symptoms and loss of pleasure.
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.