People suffering from mental health problems tend to focus on negatives

A new study has revealed that many patients with neuropsychiatric disorders focus on the possible downside of a given situation more than the potential benefit. The study also showed that chronic stress dramatically affects this kind of decision-making: More stress usually leads to choosing high-risk, high-payoff options. These patients tend to engage in ritualistic behaviours designed to combat negative thoughts and to place more weight on the potential negative outcome of a given situation. To test this hypothesis, the researchers stimulated the caudate nucleus, a brain region linked to emotional decision-making, with a small electrical current as animals were offered a reward paired with an unpleasant stimulus. When the researchers stimulated the caudate nucleus, the cost-benefit calculation became skewed, and the animals began to avoid combinations that they previously would have accepted.