Michael Dolsen, MA
University of California, Berkeley, Department of Psychology, Clinical Science Area
 
Thinking Outside the (Diagnostic) Box: Biological and Behavioral Mechanisms Across Mental Disorders
Mental health disorders are highly prevalent and contribute to functional impairment and significant disability across the lifespan. Although there have been important advances in our understanding of the etiology and treatment of mental disorders, prevalence rates continue to increase and mental health problems remain a leading cause of disability. As a result, conceptualizations of mental disorders have begun to shift away from categorical approaches to diagnosis and treatment, and toward a dimensional perspective defined by neurobiological and behavioral processes that cut across traditional diagnostic boundaries. In this talk, Michael Dolsen will present evidence from a series of studies that demonstrate that sleep and circadian disturbance are critically important mechanisms that contribute to dysfunction and impairment across mental disorders. He will also present evidence that inflammation may be a key biological mechanism through which sleep and circadian disturbance contribute to diverse mental and physical health outcomes. Finally, he will present findings that demonstrate that targeting sleep and circadian disturbance may be an effective and efficient method of improving sleep as well comorbid psychopathology.

This free lecture is  part of the candidate review for an assistant professor position in Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology.