Our Projects.

Our lab seeks to expand empirical knowledge regarding genetic and neurobiological links to post-traumatic symptomatology, broadly and particularly relating to risk for suicide behaviors.

PET Projects.

BPD and Suicide Risk

This study aims to understand the implications of the glutamate and endogenous opioid system in the development and maintenance of borderline personality disorder (BPD).

This study includes -

  • Behavioral Interviewing

  • fMRI

  • Blood Sampling and PET

BPD and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Over half of people with BPD also struggle with substance use or dependence, which can impact treatment and recovery.

Substance use can also affect relationships, housing, job security and other aspects of life. Substance use can be associated with specific symptoms of BPD such as self-harm, impulsivity, and experiencing extreme emotions. These symptoms may increase risk for substance use or overdose.

Given the severity of the opioid crisis in the United States, this study seeks to understand the intersection between BPD and opioid use with the goal of preventing overdoses and better understanding BPD and risk for opioid use.

This study includes -

  • Behavioral Interviewing

  • fMRI

  • Blood Sampling and PET

PTSD

The PTSD study seeks to understand similar mechanisms as those in our BPD study. While PTSD and BPD are both considered as trauma-and-stressor related conditions, we recognize these as distinct psychological presentations and hope to explore the associations and outcomes between the two in the context of trauma exposure.

This study includes -

  • Behavioral Interviewing

  • fMRI

  • Blood Sampling and PET

Additional Projects.

Emergency Department Contact & Subsequent Mental Health Outcomes

This study seeks to examine the treatment of suicide behaviors in emergency departments and subsequent engagement with mental healthcare. We hope to use this information to improve mental health outcomes for those who have presented to emergency departments for suicide behavior and better understand how to serve vulnerable populations.