Disorders of the brain, such as addictive and anxiety disorders, affect millions of people worldwide and present daunting challenges for treatment providers. Dr. Rowlett and his colleagues in the Division of Behavioral Biology are investigating the behavioral and neurobiological effects of addictive drugs and drugs used to treat anxiety disorders. The overall goal of this research is to develop medications for treating drug abuse and anxiety disorders that have improved therapeutic potential, yet lack significant side effects.

Understanding the consequences of ingesting illicit drugs is a key to the development of improved treatments. By using advanced primate models, research in the Division of Behavioral Biology is helping to understand the neurobiological basis of cocaine, heroin, and sedative addiction. The purpose of this research is to develop pharmacotherapies to treat addiction and prevent relapse to these commonly abused drugs.

Anxiety disorders are among the most frequently diagnosed in psychiatric medicine. Using a multidisciplinary approach that includes collaborators in academic and industrial settings, researchers in the Division of Behavioral Biology are exploring brain mechanisms, particularly GABA-A receptor mechanisms, which underlie the anti-anxiety and addictive properties of anxiolytic medications. The development of new drugs that retain clinical effectiveness but lack abuse liability and other untoward side effects may lead to improved treatment of anxiety disorders and related psychiatric illnesses.