This program uses behavioral tasks together with modern biologic techniques, such as brain imaging, in order to study brain function in children, adolescents, and adults. Through such work, we aim to identify mechanisms for serious psychiatric disorders, how such mechanisms change over time, and the effect of certain interventions on behavior and associated brain function. By increasing our understanding of how these brain mechanisms contribute to and shape mental illness, we expect to better identify effective treatments for individual patients.
Our program currently focuses on two main areas of study:
Our primary area of interest is the study of Eating Disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. We use brain imaging methods to evaluate the brain reward system and test cognitive flexibility in EDs.