Emotion and emotional disorders

The Emotion & Emotional Disorders theme examines the psychological and physiological processes that underpin our emotional experiences. A key area of research in this theme is to explore how our knowledge of emotions can be applied to better understand the mechanisms that drive the development and maintenance of mood and anxiety disorders.

Researchers in this theme employ diverse methodology to examine emotions and emotional disorders from a range of perspectives. This can include examining how emotional experiences relate to activity in the brain and body (e.g. using neuroimaging and psychophysiology techniques). We also examine how emotions can affect our thoughts and behaviours, and influence our physical and mental health. We conduct experimental research to help us understand what processes or experiences cause emotional responses. We also conduct clinically translatable research where we use theoretical knowledge to develop novel clinical interventions to improve symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders. We develop novel treatments that can be delivered in a range of modalities e.g. in-person clinics, schools, parent-led interventions, and digital interventions.

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