The B.R.A.I.N. Lab focuses on the psycho-neuro-biological mechanisms underlying cognitive, affective, and stress associated aspects of decision-making and impulsivity—specifically related to substance use disorders and concurrent mental disorders.

Aspects of decision making may be important in mediating vulnerability towards the initiation and maintenance of behaviours such as drug addiction, and mental disorders. A better understanding and better models of the brain/mind are essential for rational treatment development. Promising new approaches are needed desperately to help reduce addiction and mental health associated suffering.  The B.R.A.I.N. Lab studies new promising approaches including retraining of approach habits, new electro-physiological treatments (e.g. TMS) and new integrated psychotherapy/psychedelic interventions. We use subjective assessments, behavioural testing and biological measures (e.g. fMRI and EEG) to study the psychopathology and the outcome of interventions.

The aim is to improve our understanding, and to ultimately facilitate better interventions and better outcomes for individuals suffering from substance use and mental disorders.

Christian G. Schütz