SearchA major emphasis at NKI is to conduct innovative and interdisciplinary research with discoveries made in basic science laboratories, followed by translating these discoveries into clinical application. Our diverse research portfolio aims to improve care for adolescents and adults who suffer from complex, psychobiologically-based mental disorders. Our work encompasses:
- patient-oriented research programs emphasizing the assessment, treatment, prevention, and care of severe and long-term mental disorders;
- clinically-relevant, basic laboratory research on the molecular, biochemical, and physiological aspects of mental disease;
- and research on the cost, quality, and effectiveness of psychiatric services, especially programs that are operated, certified, and/or funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health.
Recent studies are helping identify factors that increase the risk of developing a psychiatric disorder, including a person’s genetic makeup and exposure to early life stress or brain trauma. Researchers are also finding structural differences in brains of people with some psychiatric disorders. We hope this information will create new paths to treatments that offer faster relief with fewer side effects, and diagnostic tests that identify psychiatric disorders earlier.
See current Research Opportunities and Clinical Trials