Using psychedelic drugs to improve reward-seeking behavior in mental health disorders
Efficacy of psychedelic drugs at reversing aberrant reward-seeking behavior
This study is exploring how psychedelic drugs might help people with mental health issues like depression and addiction by looking at how these drugs work in the brain, using rats that have faced tough early-life experiences, to find better and safer treatments for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10826972 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how psychedelic drugs can help treat mental health disorders like depression, addiction, and disordered eating by targeting the brain's reward system. The study will utilize a rat model that simulates early-life adversity to better understand how these drugs affect behavior and brain function. By examining the mechanisms of action, particularly through the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor, the research aims to identify new therapeutic approaches that could lead to rapid and lasting improvements in patients. The findings could pave the way for innovative treatments that are more effective and have fewer side effects than current options.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are experiencing depression, addiction, or disordered eating behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 21 years old or those who do not have any of the targeted mental health disorders may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for individuals suffering from depression, addiction, and disordered eating.
How similar studies have performed: Other clinical trials have shown promising results using psychedelics for treating similar mental health conditions, indicating that this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lawson, Kate a — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Lawson, Kate a
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.