Major Research Areas

Development of statistical, computational and bioinformatic tools for genetic studies of complex disorders. Application of modern genetic and genomic technologies to unravel the genetic basis of mental disorders and behavioural traits. Collaborations with colleagues from other departments to study the genetics of other complex disorders.

Our research focuses on prenatal risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. We use rodent models to examine how exposures during fetal life might have persistent effects on brain development even into adulthood. We measure the impact of these exposures on brain and behaviour using behavioural phenotyping, in-vivo MRI and analysis of gene and protein expression in brain tissue.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of complex brain disorders involving mood, speech, cognition and behavioural systems. In particular exploration of neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.

Elucidation of abnormal psychological processes with cognitive science and neuropsychology methods: evolution of psychotic symptoms, illness awareness, executive function, attention impairments, motor system dysfunction, semantic memory impairments, characterization of neurocognitive impairments; development of new assessment paradigms; use of neurocognitive markers in prognostic and intervention prediction; prospect of cognitive remediation; neurocomputational modelling: use of information technology and computer models in the study of thought processes and their disturbances.

Dementia is a highly debilitating condition afflicting a significant number of the elderly population. It carries profound medical and socioeconomic burdens for the society. Current treatment options have provided only limited success. Projects focus on: 1) earlier detection of cognitive decline, 2) pharmacotherapy of dementing disorders, and 3) prevention of cognitive deterioration, 4) psychiatric manifestations of dementia, and 5) pathogenesis of cognitive impairment.

Psychotic disorders including schizophrenia are an important area in psychiatry as well as medical healthcare in general. They rank among the top 10 leading causes of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and are the third most disabling condition worldwide, incurring substantial long-term burdens to the individual, their family and the society. To improve the management and outcome of patients with psychosis, the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Early Psychosis Association jointly issued the Early Psychosis Declaration, advocating the development of early intervention programmes for psychosis.

Neurocognitive function: neurocognitive impairments; definition of recovery pattern and factors affecting neurocognitive outcome; use of neurocognitive markers in prognostic and intervention prediction; prospect of cognitive remediation. Psychopathology: natural history of symptoms and abnormal experiences, prodromal states; experiential issues and knowledge of illness: subjective aspects of psychosis integration of illness experience, recovery, quality of life, recovery experience of care giving, stigmatization; Intervention: psychopharmacology of antipsychotics and other medications, cognitive and motor side effects, pharmacogenetics, development and prediction of treatment resistance; suicide prevention; psychoeducational group therapy. Website for PSI Team

Unlike other branches of medicine, psychiatry has been plagued by unfavourable myths and stigma. These unfortunate perceptions have contributed to adverse outcomes. In order to provide proper knowledge to the public, one must understand the various epidemiological aspects of psychiatric disorders, hence my work focuses on: 1) the prevalence of Axis I disorders, 2) the population's awareness on mental illnesses, and 3) the associations between environmental factors and mental health.

Epidemiology, clinical presentation, etiology and treatment of major sleep and mood disorders, such as depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, insomnia, parasomnia, excessive sleepiness and sleep apnea.

Understanding the interplay between women's physical and mental health using a health psychology framework. Areas of interest include antenatal and postnatal mental health problems; psychological context of menopause; premenstrual syndrome and menstrual distress; eating disorders and body image problems; psychological intervention for menopausal women; psychological intervention for patients with gynecological cancers; development and validation of instruments for assessing various areas of women's mental health; decision-making processes in obstetrics and gynecological settings. More general health psychology projects include psychological distress of colorectal cancer patients, youth high-risk behaviours and mental health problems, and the sociocultural aspects of health and illness.