Understanding how dopamine and norepinephrine affect decision making
Molecular Basis of Loss Aversion
This study is testing how two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine, affect decision-making about risks and rewards in healthy adults aged 25-40.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang) |
| Trial ID | NCT06034158 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the roles of dopamine and norepinephrine in decision-making processes related to loss aversion among healthy individuals. Participants aged 25-40 will receive single doses of madopar, propranolol, or a placebo in various orders before completing four decision-making tasks: investment, driving, trading, and die tasks. The study aims to determine how these neurotransmitters influence the processing of potential gains and losses in different decision-making contexts. Psychological traits and psychiatric symptoms will also be assessed prior to participation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 25-40 with normal physiological parameters.
Not a fit: Patients with mental illnesses, cognitive impairments, or major physical diseases will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of decision-making processes and inform strategies to improve financial and social decision-making.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies exploring the effects of neurotransmitters on decision-making have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 25-40 years old (including boundary value). 2. Elementary school education or above, able to understand the research content. 3. Body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and electrocardiogram are all normal. Among them, the blood pressure range is 100-139/70-89 mmHg, and the heart rate range is 60-85 beats/min. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Vulnerable groups, including people with mental illness, cognitive impairment, critically ill subjects, minors, pregnant women, illiterates, etc. 2. Family history of genetic diseases. 3. Major physical diseases, including cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, renal, endocrine, blood and other systemic diseases. 4. History of alcohol/drug dependence. 5. Lactating women. 6. The cardiopulmonary function test results are poor. 7. Have ever taken madopar or propranolol for medical use.
Where this trial is running
Hangzhou, Zhejiang
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital — Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (Recruiting)
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.