Research Projects
Decoding Mood Disorders: Innovative Paradigms for Early Detection and Intervention

Our research within the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework seeks to unravel the complex etiology underlying psychiatric disorders, with a particular emphasis on depression. The RDoC's transdiagnostic perspective allows for a focus on the disturbed neural circuits that contribute to the pathophysiology of mental illnesses. We are especially interested in the neural networks responsible for reward processing, disruptions to which can manifest as anhedonia—a core feature of several psychiatric disorders, including the inflamed subtype of depression. This subtype of depression is characterized by specific clinical presentations and alterations in the dopaminergic pathways, marking it as a distinct entity within the depression spectrum. Our goal is to develop and evaluate new therapeutic strategies that address the intricacies of depression, advancing our grasp and management of this diverse disorder. Meanwhile, individuals with Bipolar Disorder (BD) experience a notably higher premature mortality rate and reduced lifespan, particularly those under 35 years of age, who exhibit a tenfold increase in mortality compared to the general population. Alarmingly, around 60% of BD patients are initially misdiagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), leading to substantial delays in appropriate diagnosis and treatment, often spanning 5-10 years.

The youth phase is a pivotal period for brain development and a crucial window for the early detection and intervention of BD. Differentiating BD from Unipolar Depression (UD) during this transitional stage is especially challenging, yet critical for effective early intervention and improved clinical outcomes. Our project aims to deliver critical insights into mood disorder differentiation and to provide evidence-based, targeted interventions. Through this research, we aspire to transform the clinical landscape for individuals with mood disorders during a crucial stage of their development.

Professor HKY Lo , Department of Psychiatry

Professor Heidi Lo is an academic psychiatrist with a passion for psychiatric research through a neuroscientific lens. Specializing in mood disorders within the RDoC framework, I aim to mentor postgraduate students interested in improving current mental health care. By joining my team, you'll gain hands-on experience with collaborative effort and foster independent thought and innovative research. If you're a curious individual and keen to learn, let's collaborate to advance your academic journey and our understanding of mental health.  

Biography
HKU Scholars Hub
Lab Homepage
ORCID
lokaying@hku.hk

For more information or to express interest for this project, please email the supervisor or the specified contact point in the project description.  Interested candidates are advised to enclose with your email:

1. your CV,
2. a brief description of your research interest and experience, and
3. two reference letters (not required for HKUMed UG students seeking MRes[Med]/URIS projects).

Information on the research programme, funding support and admission documentations could be referenced online at the Research Postgraduate Admissions website. General admission enquiries should be directed to rpgmed@hku.hk.

HKUMed MBBS students interested in the Master of Research in Medicine (MRes[Med]) programme may visit the programme website for more information.  

HKUMed UG students interested in the Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme (URIS) may visit the scheme’s website for more information.