Psychobiology and Psychophysiology

The Psychobiology and Psychophysiology Group (PPG) has a focus on human health and strives to explore the biological underpinnings of some psychological conditions (e.g. psychosis, eating disorders) and psychobiological changes across the lifespan (e.g. adolescence, old age).  In addition the impact upon physiology and health of changes in psychological state (e.g. stress, well-being) is investigated. The Group has excellent collaborative links with a wide range of external institutions including the Institute of Psychiatry, the WestFocus Network of Universities and Bangor University. In addition the PPG has access to excellent laboratory facilities in the School of Life Science and laboratory facilities within the Department of Psychology within the University of Westminster . The PPG was singled out for special mention in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise: ‘The sub-panel noted particularly strong work in the are of psychobiology’.

Members of the group include: Angela Clow, Phil Evans, Frank Hucklebridge, Lisa Thorn, Catherine Loveday, Kevin Morgan and Tony Towell.

A sub-group of the PPG is the Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group (PSRG)

Current Projects include:

Wellbeing, cognitive function and ageing; correlates with patterns of cortisol secretion.

Angela Clow, Phil Evans, Tony Towell, Catherine Loveday and PhD student Cathrine Fredhoi. Patterns of salivary cortisol secretion have been examined in a cross section of community dwelling older adults (aged 60-90). We have demonstrated a link between positive and negative wellbeing and the cortisol awakening response. In addition, we have shown that better cognitive function across the ageing period is associated with a steeper decline in cortisol secretion from peak to trough across the day. Currently we are investigating follow up data from the same participants three years post baseline. We are exploring within-participant data of biological correlates of successful ageing.

The cortisol awakening response.

Angela Clow, Frank Hucklebridge, Phil Evans, Lisa Thorn. Ongoing work within the Department continues to explore the role and regulation of the cortisol awakening response in relation to a diverse range of variables. In addition to studies in adolescence, the ageing population, seasonality, stress and wellbeing we are now exploring relationships with fibromyalgia and bi-polar disorder. We plan to further explore the relationship between the CAR and cognitive function and its role in modulation of the immune system.

Measurement of wellbeing in the Well London Project.

Angela Clow, Alizon Draper, Rebecca Lynch. In this Wellcome funded study, we are using a mixed methods approach to explore the determinants of wellbeing for community residents in London. In parallel to in-depth qualitative analyses we are exploring patterns of salivary cortisol secretion. Results will be analysed on a case study basis to illuminate detailed correlates of wellbeing and neuroendocrine function.

Neurohormones in adolesence in relation to psychosocial functioning

Catherine Loveday, Angela Clow, Frank Hucklebridge, Andrea Oskis. This research invesitgates the diurnal patterns of cortisol and DHEA throughout the transition of adolescence.  In particular we are interested in the notion of adolescence as a window of vulnerability due to concurrent biological and psychological change.  We have so far focused on females and are looking at these hormones alongside markers of puberty and key elements of psychosocial function and dysfunction, namely attachment style, anxiety, depression, alexithymia and eating disorder risk factors.

A structural MRI investigation into the diagnostic status of psychosis patients from different ethnicities

Kevin Morgan in collaboration with the Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London where the 'host' AESOP study is based. African-Caribbean and Black African people living in the UK are reported to have a higher incidence of diagnosed psychosis compared to White British people. It has been argued this may be a consequence of misdiagnosis. If this is true they might be less likely to show the patterns of structural brain abnormalities reported in White British patients.  The aim of this study therefore is to investigate whether there are differences in the prevalence of structural brain abnormalities in White and Black first-episode psychosis patients.   To investigate this we have obtained dual-echo (proton density/T2-weighted) images from a sample of 75 first-episode psychosis patients and 68 healthy controls and are using high resolution MRI and voxel-based methods of image analysis. The study design comprises two separate analyses: 1) 34 White British patients compared to 33 White British controls, 2) 41 African-Caribbean and Black African patients compared to 35 African-Caribbean and Black African controls.

Patterns of cortisol secretion in relation to season and seasonality.

Lisa Thorn, Phil Evans, Frank Hucklebridge, Angela Clow. Research examines daily patterns of cortisol secretion, a stress-responsive hormone important in the regulation of light-dark and sleep wake cycles. The focus of this research is the reliable measurement of the awakening cortisol response (a distinct aspect of the diurnal profile) and relationships with trait psychosocial variables and daily psychological and situational variables in a healthy adult population. In particular, research has focused on seasonal differences in the diurnal pattern of cortisol in healthy participants and in those with seasonal affective disorder.

A study of caffeine's cardiovascular effects

Tony Towell, Julie Whitehouse, Gillian Shine PhD supervisors to Michael McMullen. Caffeine is a widely used behavioural stimulant  consumed primarily in the beverages tea, coffee, and caffeinated soft-drinks . Caffeine stimulates the cerebral cortex in doses up to 200 mg with larger doses affecting also the medulla where neurons controlling cardiovascular and respiratory activity are located (Durrant 2002). This study investigates, using enhanced cardiovascular measurement sensitivity techniques (Langewouters et al. 1998), whether the habitual drinking of tea and coffee produces tolerance to caffeine’s pressor effects. Cardiovascular parameters were measured before and after caffeine administration at doses of 67 mg, 133mg and 200 mg without caffeine abstinence or overnight fasting mimicking normal daily routines.