Top 12 Advances in Psychiatric Research in 2018 from the
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
Brain scientists are breaking new ground in researching depression, chronic stress, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder and other mental health conditions impacting millions around the world. Here is a list of the Leading Research Achievements by Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Grantees in 2018. These insightful studies are presented in the order of their publication in scientific journals. Read more about these advancements at 2018 Research Achievements.
A Rapid Form of Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Next-Generation Therapies, New Technologies: Depression
• Daniel M. Blumberger, M.D., Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto; 2010 BBRF Young Investigator; The Lancet, April 28, 2018
Largest-Ever Cortical Imaging Study of OCD Patients Offers Clues to Causes
Basic Research: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Odile A. van den Heuvel, M.D., Ph.D., VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, Netherlands; 2009 BBRF Young Investigator; American Journal of Psychiatry, May 1, 2018
Pregnancy Complications Provide Opportunity for Schizophrenia Risk Genes to Harm the Fetus
Basic Research: Schizophrenia, Autism, Childhood disorders
• Daniel R. Weinberger, M.D., Lieber Institute for Brain Development; BBRF Scientific Council; 2000, 1990 Distinguished Investigator; 1993 Lieber Prize; Nature Medicine, May 28, 2018
A Revealing Genetic Comparison of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
Basic Research: Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder
• Douglas M. Ruderfer, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University; 2015 BBRF Young Investigator; Cell, June 14, 2018
Machine-learning Helped Identify Newly Diagnosed Schizophrenia and Predicted Treatment Response
Diagnostic Tools/Early Intervention: Schizophrenia, Psychosis
• Bo Cao, Ph.D., University of Alberta; 2016 Young Investigator; Molecular Psychiatry, June 19, 2018
Interactive Parent-Child Therapy Reduced Depression Symptoms in Very Young Children
Next-Generation Therapies: Depression, Childhood disorders
• Joan L. Luby, M.D., Washington University School of Medicine; BBRF Scientific Council; 2008, 2004 Independent Investigator; 2004 Klerman Prize; 1999 Young Investigator; American Journal of Psychiatry, June 20, 2018
Esketamine Reduced Suicidal Thoughts Within Hours of Treatment
Next-Generation Therapies: Suicide, Depression
• Carla M. Canuso, M.D., Johnson & Johnson/Janssen R&D; 1998 Young Investigator; American Journal of Psychiatry, July 1, 2018
Adult-Born Neurons Can Protect Against Chronic Stress
Basic Research: Anxiety, Depression
• René Hen, Ph.D., Columbia University; BBRF Scientific Council; 2009, 2003; Nature, July 5, 2018
Rapid, Intensive Outpatient Treatment Reduced Vets’ PTSD Symptoms Within Weeks
Next-Generation Therapies: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Alyson Kay Zalta, Ph.D., University of California, Irvine; 2016 Young Investigator; Psychiatry, July 27, 2018
Researchers Train Computers to Identify a Biological Signature of Bipolar Disorder
Diagnostic Tools/Early Intervention: Bipolar Disorder
• Tomas Hajek, M.D., Ph.D., Dalhousie University; 2015 Independent Investigator; 2007 Young Investigator; Molecular Psychiatry, August. 31, 2018
Folic Acid-Fortified Foods During Pregnancy May Lower Child’s Psychosis Risk After Birth
Diagnostic Tools/Early Intervention: Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Autism, Developmental Disorders
• Joshua L. Roffman, M.D., M.MSc., Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital; 2014 Independent Investigator; 2007 Young Investigator; JAMA Psychiatry, September 1, 2018
Computer-Delivered Cognitive Training Significantly Helped Schizophrenia Patients in Rehab Setting
Next-Generation Therapies: Schizophrenia
• Gregory A. Light, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego; 2014 Baer Prize; 2013 Independent Investigator; 2006, 2003 Young Investigator; Schizophrenia Research, December 1, 2018
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation awards research grants to develop improved treatments, cures, and methods of prevention for mental illness. These illnesses include addiction, ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Since 1987, the Foundation has awarded more than $394 million to fund more than 4,700 leading scientists around the world, which has led to over $3.9 billion in additional funding. 100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in our research grants. The Foundation’s operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
Source: The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation