Research Lines

The main lines of research of our group focus on the study of brain substrates of serious mental disorders with a trans-diagnostic approach. We assume that each of the current psychiatric categories includes groups of patients with very different brain substrates.

Insufficient knowledge of the mechanisms underlying serious mental illnesses, as well as the lack of replication of the results that attempt to determine them, are the starting point of our work.

Our approach assumes that many investigations have repeatedly found brain disorders associated with diagnoses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. We believe, however, that the lack of replication of these findings may reflect the coexistence of different brain substrates associated with different clinical profiles in each of those diagnoses, with a different response to treatment.

Our main objective is to contribute to improve the current understanding of the brain and mental processes altered in psychosis using the scientific method and different instruments. Among them, we usually use tools from psychiatry, biomedical engineering, genetics, immunology, neuroimaging or neuropsychology. In this sense, SUCEDE is a group specialized in research in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder through advanced methods such as electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging and the analysis of phenomenology, social cognition and traumatic events in childhood.

TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

ELECTRO-ENCEPHALOGRAPHY

This method records the electrical activity of the brain, specifically of pyramidal neurons, using electrodes that are placed on the scalp. We observe the signal at rest and the changes produced during the performance of different mental tasks.

MAGNETIC STRUCTURAL AND DIFFUSION RESONANCE

The magnetic resonance image allows us to see and study the brain structure thanks to a magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses. Through diffusion resonance, which quantifies the movement of water molecules, we can assess the quality and quantity of connections between brain areas.

TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION

This technique allows the stimulation of brain areas by applying low-intensity magnetic pulses. In this way, we can assess the efficiency of functional connections between areas and different properties in them, such as the activity of different types of neurons.

STUDY OF GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS

The genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms allows analyzing the presence of genetic variants that occur in a single nucleotide. Generally, these are normal variants in the population, but their presence can influence some important brain properties for mental disorders.

INFLAMMATORY MARKERS

From blood samples and using techniques based on ELISA or multiplex, we quantify the concentration of immune system proteins, specifically pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. These molecules can have important effects on brain development.

NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Using standardized questionnaires and scales we assess each person’s cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, ability to solve problems, IQ or emotional intelligence.

EVALUATIONS OF THE SELF-EXPERIENCE ALTERATIONS

Through standardized instruments, we assess how the experience of being self may be distorted in some patients. These distortions are possibly derived from alterations in the ability to integrate the function of different brain areas.

EXPLORATION OF MINOR NEUROLOGICAL SIGNS

A brief physical examination and standardized scales analyze possible neurological alterations such as problems in balance, sensory integration or motor and sensory coordination.