Mechanisms of mental health
Mental health research is a new strength in our department. This cutting edge work investigates a range of populations and disorders with different techniques and approaches such as Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalogram (EEG), behavioural studies, questionnaires and interviews.
Our research aims to understand the factors that influence the development, persistence and resolution of mental health conditions across various stages of the lifespan. We use a wide range of approaches, including neuroimaging, computational psychiatry, behavioural studies and interviews, to investigate the psychological, biological and sociocultural factors that affect mental health and its disorders.
We have conducted ground-breaking research into the neural basis of mood and eating disorders, how sleep supports mental health by supporting our ability to control intrusive thoughts, and how negative experiences of the body during pregnancy are associated with lower antenatal attachment. Our ongoing research also examines emotion regulation and mental health in autism, hallucinations and delusions in psychosis, and the impact of COVID-19 on depression and anxiety.
As a core member of the Institute of Mental Health Research at York, we work on interdisciplinary projects with researchers across various departments (e.g., Biology, Health Sciences and Philosophy) to unlock new spheres of knowledge, and to translate that vital knowledge into new tools for clinical intervention.