Our research focus is to better understand the genetic and neural substrates of individual differences in emotional reactivity and regulation. We are currently studying inhibited temperament, which is the predisposition to respond to novel people, places, and things with avoidance behaviors. Inhibited temperament is a well-characterized and heritable phenotype that is associated with increased risk for anxiety and depressive disorders.

We use magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to characterize the structural and functional brain differences in the inhibited and uninhibited temperament groups. We also use genetic methods to examine the role of allelic variation in genes related to neurotransmitter function and stress response in both inhibited temperament and brain function in general.

By understanding the multiple developmental risk factors for anxiety and mood disorders, we will be better able to develop prevention and intervention strategies for children.