Title: The impacts of induced anxiety on cognitive function
Contact: Dr Oliver Robinson (o.robinson@ucl.ac.uk)
Background:
Pathological anxiety is a large and growing global health problem. Sufferers experience
periods of crippling anxiety that adversely impact their daily living. However, the precise
interaction between anxiety and cognition is unclear. This project will therefore use a
translational anxiety-induction paradigm in healthy individuals to explore interactions
between anxiety and cognitive function.
Methods:
Healthy subjects will complete cognitive tasks whilst undergoing transient threat of
unpredictable electric shock (and alternating matched safe conditions). The relationship
between task variables and trait measures related to mood and anxiety disorders will
also be explored. For more information on the paradigm see: "The impact of anxiety
upon cognition: perspectives from human threat of shock studies." Robinson OJ et al.
Front Hum Neurosci. 2013;7:203. The extent of student involvement in task selection and
development will depend upon student interest.
Requirements:
An interest in psychiatric research is desirable. Past experience with programming and
statistical analysis would be useful. Interested students should send a CV to Dr
Robinson at o.robinson@ucl.ac.uk.