Neuroeconomic methods combine behavioral economic experiments to parameterize aspects
of reward-related decision-making with neuroimaging techniques to record corresponding
brain activity. In this introductory article to the current special issue, we propose
that neuroeconomics is a potential bridge for translational research in psychiatry
for several reasons. First, neuroeconomics-derived theoretical predictions about optimal
adaptation in a changing environment provide an objective metric to examine psychopathology.
Second, neuroeconomics provides a “multilevel” research approach that combines performance
(behavioral) measures with intermediate measures between behavior and neurobiology
(e.g., neuroimaging) and uses a common metaphor to describe decision-making across
multiple levels of explanation. As such, ecologically valid behavioral paradigms closely
mirror the physical mechanisms of reward processing. Third, neuroeconomics provides
a platform for investigators from neuroscience, economics, psychiatry, and social
and clinical psychology to develop a common language for studying reward-related decision
making in psychiatric disorders. Therefore, neuroeconomics can provide promising candidate
endophenotypes that might help clarify the basis of high heritability associated with
psychiatric disorders and that might, in turn, inform treatment.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 15,
2012
Received in revised form:
February 10,
2012
Received:
June 30,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2012 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
