Research at the MDL generally examines factors that contribute vulnerability to depression, maintain depression, or ameliorate depression. Research tends to focus on cognitive factors; however, recent work has begun to integrate approaches from other disciplines as well (e.g., genetics, imaging, hormones). Integrating ideas and methodology from other domains holds the promise of developing a more comprehensive understanding of the disorder. MDL research has been generously supported by funding from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Department of Defense (DoD), and the University of Texas.

There are many active research protocols currently underway at the MDL. Examples of current studies include:

Central Texas Emotion Project (CTEP). This study examines genetic associations with biased processing of emotion cues. We are using a variety of assessments to study emotion processing, including eye tracking, cognitive tasks, and self-reports, before and after sad mood inductions. Participants are genotyped for several genes, including 5-HTTLPR, COMT, and BDNF (among others). This study is supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH076897). This work is being completed in collaboration with John McGeary, Brown University.

• Neural Substrates of Emotion Processing. This project examines the neural mediators of biased processing of emotional stimuli. Using MRI, DTI, and fMRI approaches, we are examining the neural circuitry that impacts emotion processing. For instance, we recently discovered that S/LG carriers of the 5-HTTLPR had poorer structural connectivity (as measured with diffusion tensor imaging) between areas of the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system (see publications). Other research examines the impact of depression symptoms on cognitive control of emotional stimuli. This work is being completed in collaboration with David Schnyer, University of Texas, and his laboratory.
  
  
• Emotion Regulation and Depression. Several studies have examined whether emotion regulation is disrupted among depressed individuals. We have found that reduced heart rate variability (a physiological marker of emotion regulation) is associated with greater cognitive reactivity, a marker of depression vulnerability. Similarly, depressed individuals have poorer distress tolerance and appear not to respond affectively to contextual cues, such as performance feedback (see publications).

• Reduction of Depression via Cognitive Bias Manipulation (CBM). There is emerging evidence that biased processing of emotional stimuli may contribute to the maintenance of depression (see Beevers, 2005; Harmer, Goodwin, & Cown, 2009). We recently discovered that training attention away from dysphoric images improves depressed mood (see publications). Future research will continue this line of research, examining whether improvements in cognitive control lead to subsequent mood changes.

• Texas Combat PTSD Risk project. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is disrupting the lives and health of an estimated 13 to 18% of soldiers returning home after their tours in Iraq. This study is attempting to determine which factors contribute to PTSD risk. Soldiers are assessed prior to deployment and then again upon post-deployment approximately 15 months later. Assessments include genetics, imaging, stress challenge, emotion processing with eye tracking, and self-reported stress logs while soldiers are deployed in Iraq. MDL is responsible for cognitive assessment. Michael Telch, University of Texas, is the PI for this project that is supported by the Department of Defense.