Mood Disorders Research Program

Overview

This program supports translational research on the etiology, core features, course, assessment, treatment, and prevention of mood disorders, including research aiming to improve understanding of their common and distinguishing features. It emphasizes a mechanistic, dimensional approach to psychopathology as outlined in the RDoC initiative and experimental therapeutics model. Ultimately, this program’s mission is to translate basic science and neuroscience into improved models, assessments, and treatments for prevention and intervention leading to significant public health impact.

Areas of Emphasis

• Identification and validation of phenotypes and endophenotypes emerging from integrative research in psychopathology, neuroscience, and pathophysiology as clinical targets in mood disorders.
• Advancing models of mood disorders based on emergent phenotypes and endophenotypes to improve precision of nosology and conceptualization.
• Refining assessment of processes underlying psychopathology to improve definition and understanding of factors underlying mood disorders.
• Developing novel psychosocial treatments targeting specific cognitive, behavioral, affective, or interpersonal components of psychopathology from prevention to intervention.

Contact

Alexander M. Talkovsky, Ph.D.
Program Chief
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7131, MSC 9637
301-827-7614, alexander.talkovsky@nih.gov