Neural Systems Psychopathology Program

Overview

This program supports research that seeks to understand the neuroscience of psychopathology at a systems level; it focuses on how the integration of multiple neural signals, circuits and/or structures lead to symptoms or symptom complexes that are characteristic of mental disorders. Appropriate applications may employ animal models, neuroimaging, electrophysiology, neurochemistry, neuroendocrinology, and/or genetic approaches to elucidate the neural systems involved in major mental illnesses, personality disorders, or abnormal behaviors.

Areas of Emphasis

• Identification of valid and unique neurophysiological markers or complex(es) of markers for the major mental and personality disorders.
• Development of animal and/or computational models that accurately mimic complex neurophysiology or behaviors characteristic of mental illness.
• Comparisons between CNS characteristics of mental disorders and "other" brain disorders sharing specific abnormal behaviors or symptoms.
• Examination of how complex interactions between neural signaling systems may readjust behavior from functional to dysfunctional.
• Promotion of the application of exploratory but potentially relevant neuroscience areas to the study of mental disorders.

Contact

Douglas L. Meinecke, Ph.D.
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7124, MSC 9639
301-443-1692, dmeineck@mail.nih