Disorders of neurodevelopment or mental health are among the most devastating for both the individual and their caretakers. Preventing and treating these complex conditions requires in-depth understanding of the origins and manifestations of dysregulated brain development.
The UM-MIND pillar on Neurodevelopment & Neuropsychiatric Disorders will emphasize research on how the brain forms and how genetics, epigenetics, sex, gender, in utero drug exposure, and more play a role in neurodevelopment. Childhood diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders, attention deficits and hyperactivity, and speech and learning irregularities are embedded in dysregulated brain development.
Later life diagnoses of schizophrenia, major depressive, bipolar and anxiety disorders, such as PTSD, involve complex interplays of early development and adult lived experience. UM-MIND, through a highly collaborative approach between neuroscience experts, will work to uncover the mysteries of such devastating illnesses and new approaches to effective care.