Personalized Treatments and Novel Treatment Strategies

The Right Treatment for the Right Person

This research area addresses the critical need to move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to depression treatment. We investigate how individual differences in genetics, brain function, metabolism, life experiences, and symptom profiles can guide treatment selection and optimization. Our work explores novel therapeutic approaches including rapid-acting antidepressants (such as ketamine and psychedelics), neurostimulation (such as transcranial magnetic stimulation), combined treatment strategies, and evidence-based psychotherapy. We also study how to integrate pharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and lifestyle interventions in personalized treatment plans. By identifying which patients will benefit most from specific interventions based on their unique biological and psychological profiles, we aim to improve treatment outcomes, reduce side effects, and accelerate recovery from depressive episodes.

Institute Members Working in this Area

Diego Pizzagalli

Diego Pizzagalli

Founding Director,
Distinguished Professor, Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Neurobiology & Behavior, and Biomedical Engineering Noel Drury MD Endowed Chair
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Tallie Z. Baram

Tallie Z. Baram

Danette Shepard Professor Neurological Sciences,
Bren Distinguished Professor, Pediatrics, Anatomy & Neurobiology, Neurology and Physiology & Biophysics
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Liz Chrastil

Liz Chrastil

Associate Professor, Neurobiology & Behavior
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Christie D. Fowler

Christie D. Fowler

Professor, Neurobiology & Behavior
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Christine M Gall

Christine M Gall

Professor and Chair,
Anatomy & Neurobiology
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Jennifer Gelinas

Jennifer Gelinas

Associate Professor, Pediatrics and Anatomy & Neurobiology
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Michael A. Hoyt

Michael A. Hoyt

Professor and Department Chair,
Population Health & Disease Prevention
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Stephen V. Mahler

Stephen V. Mahler

Professor of Neurobiology & Behavior
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Adrian Preda

Adrian Preda

Professor, Clinical Psychiatry & Human Behavior
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Uma Rao

Uma Rao

Professor, Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Pediatrics, and Psychology
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Eitan Schechtman

Eitan Schechtman

Assistant Professor, Neurobiology & Behavior
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Stephen Schueller

Stephen Schueller

Professor, Psychology and Informatics
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Katharine Simon

Katharine Simon

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (UCI) and Pulmonology (CHOC),
Director of Research in Sleep at CHOC
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