FOCUSED RESEARCH

The clinical research efforts of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology have been broadly divided into four content areas:

Genomic Investigations of Psychiatric Illness

The Genomic Investigation of Psychiatric Illness Program is closely linked with the basic and clinical laboratory research divisions at the Mayo Clinic. This team includes the S.C. Johnson Program for the Genomics of Addiction, which is designed to bring together scientists with backgrounds in molecular genetics, addictions medicine, bioinformatics, and bioethics. The goal is to better understand the genetic basis of alcoholism and to develop new genomically improved treatments and preventive interventions.

Mood Disorders

Research in Mood Disorders is guided by a set of initiatives designed to better understand the biological vulnerabilities associated with mood disorders. Current strategies include the improved genetic identification of risk for mood disorders, the development of neuro imaging methods to visualize variation in brain function, and the development of new therapies.

Anxiety Disorders Research

We are focused on the research of anxiety disorders, including obsessive compulsive disorder. Collaborations have developed with the genomic and neuroimaging teams.

Departmental Research Collaboration

Departmental collaborations with the Mayo research community exist with the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center (Behavioral Health and Psycho-Oncology Research), Obesity Research , Traumatic Brain Injury Research, the Alzheimer’s Disease Center, and Sleep Disorders Research.