SWERDLOW LAB

About Dr. Swerdlow's Research

Dr. Swerdlow's research addresses clinical and preclinical issues related to neuropsychiatric disorders of the limbic system and basal ganglia. Generally, these are disorders characterized by an inability to shut off or "gate" intrusive thoughts, sensations or movements, and include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Huntington's disease, Tourette's Syndrome and schizophrenia. His studies consist of behavioral, neuropsychological and psychophysiological measures that assess pathology in brain regions linking the limbic cortex and basal ganglia, and he uses similar measurements in rats after lesions or drug infusions into these brain regions. His preclinical studies are aimed at understanding the neural and genetic bases for phenomena identified via his clinical studies, and some preclinical work is also aimed at drug development for the treatment of these disorders. In 2002, Dr. Swerdlow received the Joel Elkes International Award for Outstanding Contributions to Psychopharmacology, from the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology.