Visionary psychiatrist Paola Dazzan unveils insights on psychosis research and mental health innovation

Professor Paola Dazzan, a prominent researcher at King's College London's Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, has provided a revealing glimpse into her pioneering work on psychosis in an exclusive interview with Brain Medicine. The peer-reviewed article, published on May 20, 2024, offers a comprehensive look at Dazzan's career trajectory and her significant contributions to the field of psychiatric neuroimaging.

Dazzan's research, which spans over three decades, has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of psychosis onset and progression. Her innovative use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), combined with stress and inflammatory markers, has opened new avenues for exploring the neurobiological underpinnings of severe psychiatric disorders.

"Our research aims to identify clinical and neurobiological predictors of treatment response in psychosis," Dazzan explains. This approach could potentially lead to more tailored interventions, mirroring the precision medicine practices seen in other medical fields.

The interview highlights Dazzan's current focus on the eBRAIN study, a large-scale longitudinal research project investigating the impact of early adversity on brain development and mental health in adolescents. This groundbreaking work may provide crucial insights into the origins of psychotic experiences and potential preventive strategies.

Dazzan also discusses her involvement in the CELEBRATE project, which aims to develop guidelines for conducting biological research in mental health with young people. This initiative underscores the importance of inclusive and representative research practices in psychiatry.

Throughout the interview, Dazzan emphasizes the need for greater diversity and inclusion in scientific research. Her perspective as a woman in academia provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the scientific community.

The article not only showcases Dazzan's professional achievements but also offers a personal glimpse into her life philosophy and aspirations. Her dedication to mentoring young researchers and promoting equality in science shines through, painting a picture of a compassionate leader in the field of psychiatric research.

This comprehensive interview in Brain Medicine provides an invaluable resource for researchers, clinicians, and science journalists interested in the latest developments in psychosis research and the future of psychiatric neuroimaging.

The full article, titled “Paola Dazzan: What can we do to understand psychosis?,” was published online on 20 May 2024 is freely available online at the website of Brain Medicine (Genomic Press, New York): https://bm.genomicpress.com/aop/.

About Brain Medicine: Brain Medicine (ISSN: 2997-2639) is a peer-reviewed journal published by Genomic Press, New York. Brain Medicine is a new home for the cross-disciplinary pathway from innovation in fundamental neuroscience to translational initiatives in brain medicine. The journal’s scope includes the underlying science, causes, outcomes, treatments, and societal impact of brain disorders, across all clinical disciplines and their interface.