The SERNA Conceptual Standard for Neural Correlates of Decision Fatigue: Definitions, Relationships, and Theoretical Integration (SCS-NDF)

**Background:** Decision fatigue, the deterioration in the quality of decisions made by an individual after a long session of decision-making, is a pervasive phenomenon in high-stakes professions and daily life. However, the field is characterized by "terminological chaos," with terms like "ego depletion," "cognitive fatigue," "self-regulation failure," and "choice overload" used inconsistently. **Problem:** This conceptual fragmentation prevents the development of standardized biomarkers and limits the ability to predict decision-making performance in real-world environments. Specifically, the "Resource Model" of self-control remains a subject of intense replication debate. **Objective:** To establish the SERNA Conceptual Standard (SCS-NDF), providing canonical definitions and a testable neuro-metabolic model for decision fatigue. **Approach:** A systematic review of over 390 peer-reviewed articles was conducted, synthesizing evidence from cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, and metabolic physiology. **Contributions:** This standard defines 12 canonical terms, establishes the "Opportunity Cost & Metabolic Efficient (OCME) Model," and proposes 10 falsifiable hypotheses for future research. **Conclusions:** SCS-NDF provides the theoretical infrastructure to transition decision fatigue research from subjective survey-based measures to objective neuro-energetic and behavioral metrics.