Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating motivational and emotional circuitry in the brain during paradigms focused on specific motivational functions, to directly determine which components and how much the motivational and emotional brain circuitry responds. This circuitry response answers questions focused on normal and abnormal behavior, along with questions regarding the normal and abnormal function of the circuitry. The results of interrogating the motivational and emotional circuitry can be used for objectively measuring, in individual humans or animals, their preferences or responses to motivationally salient stimuli including but not limited to stimuli which are internal or external, conscious or non-conscious, pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapies, diseased based processes or not, financial or non-financial, etc.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating information about the structure and function of neural circuits in the brain can be used for diagnosis and gene identification. Exemplary methods and data management features consolidate relationships within multi-dimensional complex data sets, erg., data sets that include systems biology measures, such as those obtained from neuroimaging, and, optionally also genetic measures, e.g., from the same individuals.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying potential therapeutic agents by relating in vitro techniques for drug screening of neural cells with neural circuitry function in animals and humans. The method involves objectively measuring, in a quantifiable and reproducible manner, the effects of the agents on pain and other motivational functions.