Examining how the orbitofrontal cortex affects decision-making
Testing the Contribution of Orbitofrontal Cortex Networks to Decision-making
NA · Northwestern University · NCT05111223
This study is testing how changing the activity in certain brain areas affects decision-making in people by using brain stimulation and imaging techniques.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT05111223 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research examines the role of orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) networks in decision-making using a combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The study employs a randomized, between-subjects design to modulate activity within anterior and posterior OFC networks and assess their distinct contributions to outcome-guided behavior. Participants will undergo TMS before conditioning and during a devaluation test while being exposed to olfactory stimuli.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy, right-handed individuals aged 18 to 40 who are fluent in English.
Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological or psychiatric conditions, or those with smell or taste dysfunction, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of decision-making processes and inform treatments for decision-making impairments.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using TMS to study OFC networks is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding brain function and decision-making.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 40 years old * Right-handed * Fluent English speakers Exclusion Criteria: * History of significant neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, dementia, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, etc.) * History of major psychiatric conditions (e.g., general anxiety disorder, depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, substance use disorder, etc.) * Significant medical illnesses (e.g., cancer, meningitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, etc.) * Significant cerebrovascular risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, etc.) * Current use of psychoactive medications (e.g., barbiturates, benzodiazepines, chloral hydrate, haloperidol, lithium, carbamazepine, phenytoin, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, diazepam, etc.) * Smell or taste dysfunction * History of significant allergies requiring hospitalization for treatment * History of severe asthma requiring hospitalization for treatment * Habitual smoking * History of eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, etc.) * Dieting or fasting * Magnetic implants (e.g., shunts or stents, aneurysm clips, surgical clips, cochlear implants, metal bone/joint pins, plates and screws, eyelid spring or wires, etc.) * Electronic devices (e.g., implanted cardiac defibrillator, cardiac pacemaker, deep brain/spinal cord or nerve stimulator, internal electrodes/wires, medication infusion devices, etc.) * History of metal working without proper eye protection, or injury with metal shrapnel or metal slivers * Claustrophobia * Pregnancy * Predisposition to seizures (e.g., personal history of seizures, family history of seizures epilepsy, pregnancy, alcoholism, etc.) * Use of medications that increase the likelihood of seizures (e.g., bupropion SR, citalopram, duloxetine, ketamine, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, etc.) * History of surgical procedures performed on the brain or spinal cord * History of severe head trauma followed by loss of consciousness * History of fainting spells or syncope * Hearing problems or tinnitus
Where this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Northwestern University — Chicago, Illinois, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christina Zelano, PhD — Assistant Professor
- Study coordinator: Christina Zelano, PhD
- Email: c-zelano@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-503-4437
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Healthy