My team works at the interface between clinical psychology and neuroscience. We aim to develop novel psychological and pharmacological treatments (and their combination) for addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. We use a variety of experimental techniques, including pharmacological manipulations, EEG, eye-tracking, and other psychophysiological methods to study psychological change processes. Current projects are in the following broad themes:

Development of Novel Treatments for Addictions and Trauma-related Disorders

We are investigating a range of drugs that might interfere with memory reconsolidation, and hence reduce the influence of maladaptive memories on addictive behaviours and trauma-like symptoms. We are currently testing pharmacological strategies (e.g. NMDA receptor antagonists) and behavioural techniques for preventing the formation or retrieval of traumatic memories. We are also testing whether nitrous oxide ('laughing gas') can be used to enhance certain psychotherapeutic strategies.

'Contemplative Psychopharmacology'

These studies investigate whether it is possible to enhance meditative practices using biological treatments that influence prosocial/ affiliative feelings or attention. In particular, we are looking at whether we can use pharmacological treatments (e.g. psychedelic drugs or cognitive enhancers) or non-invasive neurostimulation to improve the effects of mindfulness training and compassion-focused techniques. We are also testing abbreviated treatments that involve meditative practices (e.g. yogic breathing or mindfulness meditation) and newer forms of cognitive therapy that aim to help people respond more adaptively to intense drug cravings.

Understanding and raising awareness of uncommon anxiety conditions

I have an ongoing interest in developing our understanding of bladder and bowel-control anxieties, in which people have a terror of having 'an accident' in public. This seems to be a common concern among patients with panic disorder, yet is poorly understood and possibly, sub-optimally treated.