Register now! Its that time of the day again: biological clocks, behavior and psychiatric disorders with Colleen McClung, Ph.D. Psychiatric disorders affect a large portion of the population and can be a huge burden for individuals and their families. Nearly all people suffering from psychiatric disorders have significant disruptions in circadian rhythms and the sleep/wake cycle. In fact, disrupted sleep patterns are one of the major diagnostic criteria for these disorders listed in the DSM V. There are several human genetic studies that have identified specific polymorphisms in circadian genes that associate with a range of psychiatric conditions. Furthermore, environmental disruptions to circadian rhythms including shift work, travel across time zones, and irregular social schedules can precipitate or exacerbate mood-related episodes, or put individuals at risk for substance abuse. Recent studies have found that molecular clocks are located throughout the brain and body where they participate in the regulation of most physiological processes, including those thought to be involved in mood and reward regulation. My lecture will summarize recent clinical and basic research findings from our group and others which implicate the circadian system as an important regulator of monoaminergic systems which are thought to play a role in the development of psychiatric disorders. I will also discuss the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the development of novel treatments that target the circadian system. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. Space is limited, reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://attendee.gotowebinar/register/4740373222585644802
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 16:45:01 +0000