Insights into the role of noradrenaline in effortful decisions

Abstract

To maintain homeostasis, our brain tracks the effort exerted during decision-making. A new study in PLOS Biology shows that the activity of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) reflects the effort exerted to face cognitive or physical challenges. Every decision we make involves costs and benefits that we implicitly weigh. As our energetic resources are finite, the general consensus is that we naturally tend to minimize the costs while maximizing benefits (reward). Reward value is discounted by the effort invested and/or its perception, and so there is a natural tendency for animals and humans alike to avoid pursuing rewarding options that require effort. Because our energetic resources are limited, our brain needs to monitor effort to optimise behavioral choices and avoid fatigue. This Primer explores the implications of a recent PLOS Biology study showing that the activity of noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus reflects the amount of effort exerted to face costly cognitive or physical challenges, a signal that might help promote behavioral adaptation depending on context and our needs.