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Cognition

Cognition © SciencePhotoLibrary

Many mental disorders are associated with disrupted cognitive function including dysfunctions of attention, concentration and memory. Disorders of cognitive development in children and young people are problematic by themselves. We measure cognition using laboratory-based  tests that can help us understand how it may be disrupted by mental disorders, as well as tell us something about the brain systems that might be involved. We also measure cognitive function in combination with direct measures of electromagnetic brain activity and with brain imaging methods, such as MRI. The study of cognition can help us understand, which brain mechanisms are involved in the symptoms and the possible treatment of illness. Some of our models are often analogous to computational programmes, specifying the computations that allow the brain to support functions including attention, memory, producing and understanding language, problem solving, and decision-making.



Groups within this theme

We aim to promote the healthy mental and physical development of children and their families in adversity. Our work focuses on elucidating the mechanisms underlying disturbed development and in creating appropriate interventions.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Our research aims to understand how individual genes contribute to the complex brain functions that are impaired in people with psychiatric disorders. By understanding these links we hope to improve treatments for these disorders.
Neural Correlates of Gene Function
We are dedicated to testing and developing new ways of improving treatments for psychiatric disorders, and maintaining brain health during aging. A significant proportion of people suffering from disturbances of mood and memory, do not respond to the available medication, and so there is an urgency to supplement or provide an alternative to current therapies.
Neurobiology and Experimental Therapeutics
OHBA is a research facility providing state-of-the-art techniques to measure or stimulate activity in the living human brain. Groups at OHBA investigate brain function in healthy volunteers, and in individuals affected by psychiatric and neurological conditions.
Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity
We investigate why people experience hallucinations and delusions, and use that knowledge to develop truly effective treatments for these problems. Our targeted interventions for paranoia are now being tested in randomized controlled clinical trials.
Oxford Cognitive Approaches to Psychosis
Neuroimaging provides a window into the living brain, and is an increasingly vital experimental medicine tool for neuro-psychiatric disease. With a particular focus on early and pre-clinical disease, we explore how the brain changes before symptoms take hold.
Translational Neuroimaging
The University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre works with partners around the world to prevent depression and enhance human potential through the therapeutic use of mindfulness.
University of Oxford Mindfulness Research Centre

Publications

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RESEARCH THEMES & GROUPS