Neurocomputational mechanisms of learning and decision-making and their disruption in addiction

National Institute On Drug Abuse

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Abstract

Neurocomputational mechanisms underlying incentive learning and decision-making are altered in addiction and other neuropsychiatric conditions. These basic processes, as well as their significance to behavior are not well understood. We are studying these questions directly in humans, by investigating learning and decision-making and their underlying brain processes in healthy humans using behavioral testing and non-invasive neural recording and stimulation techniques, such as high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). In addition, we explore whether and how these behavioral and neural processes are altered in addiction. A better understanding these changes may help to identify new targets for intervention.