Welcome to Vera’s Lab

 We study sex-specific and sex-differentiating brain mechanisms of stress-related psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders and functional neurological/conversion disorders. To uncover such mechanisms and understand the effects of sex- and gender-related factors in stress and affective response, we conduct experimental medicine studies in healthy volunteers and in patient populations, combining behavior analysis, pharmacology, and brain imaging techniques. We also carry out clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapeutics for stress-related psychiatric disorders.

Our overarching goal is to provide a mechanistic foundation for novel sex- and gender-informed treatments of these conditions.