Current Research

The overarching theme of our research programs is to better understand the etiology and treatment of mood disorders in both the general population and in the specific populations of pregnant, postpartum and menopausal women. The programs use longitudinal imaging studies as well as medication trials with longitudinal follow-up. The programs have been funded by NIH grants, Veterans Administration grants, non-profit foundation grants, several industry-sponsored grants, and UCLA departmental support.

Dr. Altshuler currently directs two research programs:

UCLA Mood Disorders Research Program

The UCLA Mood Disorders Research Program focuses primarily on major depression and bipolar disorder. The goal of the program is to treat individuals suffering from bipolar disorder and to further our understanding of this disorder through research. The Mood Disorders Research Program also has funding from private sponsors and the National Institute of Mental Health to use structural and functional MRI to record images of the brain during different mood phases in persons with bipolar disorder and major depression. Additionally, the program is currently conducting a treatment trial for patients with bipolar type II disorder who are currently depressed.