Brain Research & Integrative Neuropsychopharmacology (BRAIN) Division

Faculty in the Brain Research and Integrative Neuropsychopharmacology (BRAIN) Division conduct innovative research and provide clinical services with the goals of improving mental health and identifying patients who are at high risk for development of a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. Basic research studies in rodents are using state-of-the-art microscopy to peer into brain tissue to map the circuitry and identify receptors involved in narcolepsy. One goal of this research is to accomplish gene transfer to treat sleep disorders that occur in a variety of patients. Related research in humans is studying olfactory signals in the environment that are stimuli in the nose-to-brain pathway that influence behavior. Division faculty established the Women’s Reproductive Behavioral Health Clinic at MUSC and provide mental health services to pregnant and postpartum women. This clinical service also provides a research springboard to investigate cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce the misuse of opioids in pregnancy.