The Roecklein Lab is engaged in cutting edge research to identify the biological, psychological, and socioenvironmental risk factors for multipe areas of psychopathology including mood disorders, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, eating disorders, and others. We are currently focused on the process by which visible light from our environment is processed by the retina and brain to synchronize processes in the brain that cycle every 24-hours, namely circadian rhythms. Light may have additional effects on the brain, as well, including those that are independent of the circadian clock. 

We are using the post-illumination pupil reflex to measure how individuals differ in their responsivity to light, as this may explain why some individuals develop psychopathology and sleep disorders, while others do not. Other measures we are taking include hormonal levels for Melatonin, and DNA samples to measure genetic variations in the genes related to light perception, circadian rhythms, sleep, neurotransmitter function, reward processing, and emotion regulation.

Future goals of the lab include determining which variables, such as the pupil or genetic or hormonal measures, may predict whether a given person with SAD responds to one of the multiple treatments for SAD including bright light therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder (CBT-SAD), or antidepressant medication. Stay tuned for treatment study opportunities!