Current Funding & Studies

Molecular Mechanisms of Treatment Response in Major Depression

This project examines the involvement of the endocannabinoid system and CB1 receptors in treatment response in Major Depression.

Neurobiology of Treatment Response in Fibromyalgia

This study utilizes molecular neuroimaging technology and simpler, clinically applicable biomarkers to examine interindividual variations in the function of the endogenous opioid system, a principal mechanism mediating endogenous analgesia and placebo analgesic responses, in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Neurobiology of Non-Specific and Specific Treatment Responses in Major Depression

This project studies the biological basis for treatment responses across treatment modalities, whether prototypical antidepressants or even placebos. Molecular as well as functional imaging is employed to determine the neural substrates associated with treatment responses in Major Depression. Simpler biomarkers are also employed to translate these findings into the prediction of clinical responses in patients diagnosed with Major Depression.

Effects of Mindfulness-Oriented Intervention on Endogenous Opioid Mechanisms of Hedonic Regulation in Chronic Pain

This study examines neural and peripheral markers associated with chronic pain and whether they can be restored by treatment with MORE, an enhanced form of mindfulness intervention targeting both pain and opioid use in patients diagnosed with persistent non-neuropathic back pain.