The modulatory role of serotonin in model-based and model-free choice

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    The modulatory role of serotonin in model-based and model-free choice behaviour

  • IRAS ID

    157345

  • Contact name

    Barbara J Sahakian

  • Contact email

    bjs1001@cam.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust and University of Cambridge (joint sponsorhip)

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 2 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    People make decisions by selecting a course of action among alternatives. Brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, are known to affect decision making process. Serotonin, one of the most important neurotransmitters, is implicated in many cognitive processes. Our aim is to explore how a single dose of escitalopram, a selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitors that increases brain serotonin levels, affects how people make decisions. The findings might consequently provide a useful insight in the pathogenesis and clinical management of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by impaired decision making, such as depression and anxiety.

  • REC name

    East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    15/EE/0004

  • Date of REC Opinion

    10 Mar 2015

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion