Projects

Cognition Across the Lifespan in Mental Illness

The primary purpose of this study is to characterize a pattern of cognitive performance across multiple domains during adulthood in severe mental illness. Cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in several severe mental illnesses. Although cognitive dysfunction is thought to be related to poor outcome and the underlying pathophysiology of these disorders, the developmental course of cognitive dysfunction during adulthood is poorly understood. This project will assess cognitive processing utilizing behavioral testing and questionnaires.

The Role of the Lateral Habenula in Treatment-Resistant Depression

The primary purpose of this study is to explore the role of a specific part of the brain in treatment resistant depression using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The World Health Organization reports that Major Depressive Disorder is one of the most common causes of disability in the world. Accumulating evidence suggests the lateral habenula is a key brain region in the pathophysiology of depression; this project will assess neural activations to punishment-related cues in treatment-resistant depression using fMRI.

Disrupted Social Motivation in Early Psychosis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the brain regions involved with social information processing. Problems in processing social information are common in schizophrenia, but the exact nature of these problems is not well understood. This project examines disrupted social preference / social motivation in early psychosis longitudinally using a multi-modal neuroimaging approach.

Social Cognition in Substance Use Disorder

The purpose of this study is to explore social cognitive processes relevant to community functioning in substance use disorder. Problems in processing social information are common in substance use disorder and may affect social relationships with family and friends. However, the exact nature of these problems is not well understood. This project examines social cognitive processes of individuals with problematic substance use using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Perceptual Abnormalities in Bipolar Disorder

This project examines perceptual plasticity in bipolar disorder using functional magnetic resonance imaging.