Using a comprehensive approach through the integration of multidisciplinary methods, we study these disorders at behavioral, brain circuit-specific and transcriptomic levels.
Comorbid alcohol use disorder (AUD) and anxiety disorders is a highly prevalent and significant public health problem that is often associated with more severe symptoms and poorer treatment outcomes than either of the conditions alone. Our research aims to better understand the molecular mechanisms of AUD and anxiety disorders. To this end, we use animal models that mimic key features of these disorders (e.g., alcohol relapse and conditioned fear learning). Additionally, we utilize cutting-edge methods to identify brain circuits and transcriptomic changes that modulate these behaviors.
Photo credit Anna Nilsen