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Transforming the understanding
and treatment of mental illnesses.

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How Emotional States affect Decision-Making

Join a Research Study: Enrolling locally from the Washington, D.C. metro region

To find out if you qualify, email the study team (NIMHCDN@mail.nih.gov ) or call (301) 451-7822 [TTY: 711].

How we feel can impact the choices we make. Feelings of sadness, stress, or pain can change our behavior. Researchers want to learn more about the choices we make when feeling bad. By learning more about how emotions affect thinking and behavior, we hope to better understand how to identify and treat people with mental disorders.

You may be able to participate in this outpatient study if you are:

  • Ages 18-55 years old
  • Do not have a diagnosed mental health condition
  • Are otherwise medically healthy

Participation includes a medical evaluation, questionnaires, and a situation to cause a temporary change in emotional state (unpleasant physical/emotional feeling such as from mild pain, snack craving, or stress.)

This study includes 3 visits to the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD. Compensation is provided. 

To find out if you qualify, email the study team (NIMHCDN@mail.nih.gov ) or call (301) 451-7822 [TTY: 711].

Study Identifiers

  • NIMH Protocol Number: 000978-M
  • ClinicalTrials.gov Study Number: 05666726 

Investigator(s): Silvia Lopez-Guzman, M.D., Ph.D.