Distinguished psychiatrist Dr. Maria A. Oquendo sheds light on suicide prevention and brain research

Philadelphia, USA - The "Innovators & Ideas: Research Leader" section of Genomic Psychiatry (ISSN: 2997-2388), published by Genomic Press, New York, features an illuminating Genomic Press Interview with Dr. Maria A. Oquendo, a leading figure in psychiatric research at the University of Pennsylvania. The interview delves into Oquendo's pioneering work on suicide risk factors and brain imaging in mood disorders, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between biology and suicidal behavior.

Dr. Oquendo, who serves as the Ruth Meltzer Professor and Chairman of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania and Psychiatrist-in-Chief at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, shares her journey from a math and literature enthusiast to a prominent researcher in psychiatry. Her work has been instrumental in mapping brain abnormalities in mood disorders and suicidal behavior using advanced imaging techniques.

"Our research aims to raise scientific awareness of the biological contributions to suicide risk, which can translate to interventions to prevent morbidity and mortality," Dr. Oquendo explains. "We're particularly focused on understanding suicidal ideation and behavior among individuals who don't meet the criteria for psychiatric disorders."

The Genomic Press Interview highlights Oquendo's current research focus on challenging prevailing clinical wisdom about the relationship between suicidal behavior and psychiatric disorders. Her team's work suggests that suicidal behavior can occur in the absence of diagnosed mental illness more frequently than previously thought, potentially revolutionizing our approach to suicide prevention and risk assessment.

Oquendo's work represents a significant advancement in the field of psychiatric research. By combining insights from neuroimaging, psychopharmacology, and global mental health, she has developed a comprehensive approach to understanding and preventing suicidal behavior. Her studies have been particularly groundbreaking in elucidating the biological underpinnings of suicide risk, offering new perspectives on intervention strategies.

The interview also touches on Oquendo's personal journey, including her unexpected path to leadership roles such as President of the American Psychiatric Association and her current position as department chair. This unique background has shaped her approach to research and leadership, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities and fostering collaboration across disciplines.

"Dr. Oquendo's work exemplifies the innovative research being conducted at the intersection of neuroscience and psychiatry," says Dr. Julio Licinio, Editor-in-Chief of Genomic Psychiatry. "Her insights into the biological basis of suicidal behavior are not only advancing our understanding of this critical public health issue but also paving the way for more effective, targeted interventions."

The Genomic Press Interview with Dr. Maria A. Oquendo offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of a scientist at the forefront of suicide prevention research. It underscores the potential of integrative approaches to revolutionize our understanding of mental health and suicidal behavior, potentially saving countless lives worldwide.

Oquendo emphasizes the importance of challenging established norms in psychiatric research and clinical practice. Her commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers and clinicians with a comprehensive understanding of suicide risk factors exemplifies the best of academic medicine.

The full Genomic Press Interview "Maria A. Oquendo: The translational pathway from the elucidation of the biological contributions to suicide risk to the development of interventions aimed at preventing morbidity and mortality" was published on January 25, 2024, and is available online in the Innovators & Ideas: Research Leader section of Genomic Psychiatry: https://gp.genomicpress.com/aop/.

About Genomic Psychiatry – Genomic Psychiatry: Advancing Science from Genes to Society (ISSN: 2997-2388) represents a paradigm shift in genetics journals by interweaving advances in genomics and genetics with progress in all other areas of contemporary psychiatry. Genomic Psychiatry publishes peer-reviewed papers of the highest quality from any area within the continuum that goes from genes and molecules to neuroscience, clinical psychiatry, and public health.