Christopher Cain Email & Phone Number

I am interested in learning and memory processes that contribute to anxiety and especially the treatment of anxiety disorders like PTSD. I mainly use rodent models in my studies but also collaborate with human researchers. My basic strategy is to isolate crucial anxiety-related memory processes with optimized or novel behavioral protocols, identify the brain systems and core cellular mechanisms underlying these memory processes, and then evaluate the effects of psychoactive drugs. I also pay close attention to individual differences in these processes that may contribute to resilience or anxiety susceptibility. My goal is to improve anxiety treatment by 1) suggesting better cognitive-behavioral interventions, 2) identifying commonly prescribed medications that interfere with treatment-related learning, 3) identifying novel or existing drugs that may improve therapy-related learning, and 4) suggesting new ways to tailor therapy and drug treatment to individuals.Specialties: psychiatric disorders/treatment, animal models, neural systems and cellular mechanisms of memory, anxiety, stress, fear, fear-suppression and coping, pharmacology, individual differences

Listed skills include Neuroscience, Animal Models, Pharmacology, Research, and 1 others.