Using real-time brain imaging to understand self-generated experiences in mental health
Official title: Real-time fMRI for insular cortex brain state-triggered experience sampling
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10764306 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain creates thoughts and feelings, like worry or hallucinations, that can be tough for people with mental health challenges, and it involves healthy adults sharing their experiences while their brain activity is monitored in real-time to help us learn more about these processes and improve treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $189,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH129630-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10764306 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthy adults aged 21 and older who can provide insights into their mental experiences during the study.
✕Less likely to help
Patients currently experiencing severe psychiatric disorders may not benefit directly from this research as it focuses on healthy individuals to understand brain mechanisms.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain generates self-generated experiences, such as worry or hallucinations, which can be distressing for individuals with psychiatric disorders. By employing real-time functional MRI (fMRI), the study aims to capture brain activity as it occurs and link it to participants' immediate experiences. Healthy adults will participate in the study, where their brain activity will be monitored, and they will report their thoughts and feelings in real-time. This innovative approach seeks to enhance our understanding of the brain mechanisms behind mental health issues, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for individuals suffering from mental health disorders by targeting the underlying brain mechanisms of distressing experiences.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of real-time fMRI is a relatively novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in understanding brain activity related to various psychological experiences.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kucyi, Aaron — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Kucyi, Aaron
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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.