Addiction Psychophysiology Laboratory
The Addiction Psychophysiology Laboratory (APL) focuses on identifying the neurobiological mechanisms underlying nicotine dependence and withdrawal and translating this knowledge to assist those wishing to quit smoking. Researchers in the APL use electroencephalography (EEG), event-related potentials (ERP), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), impedance cardiography, skin conductance, and electromyography (EMG) to study nicotine addiction in humans. Recent work has focused on psychophysiological effects of nicotine during stress, individual differences in the effects of nicotine on EEG and cardiovascular activity, genetic factors treatment outcome, pharmacogenetic effects of antidepressants during smoking cessation, and studies using startle probe and EEG/ERP methodology to examine the relations between genetics, emotional reactivity, nicotine exposure and nicotine withdrawal.
The Addiction Psychophysiology Laboratory is headed by Paul M. Cinciripini, Ph.D. Dr. Cinciripini is a Professor and Deputy Chair of the Department of Behavioral Science, and he is the Director of the Tobacco Treatment Program, at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Highlights
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Investigating the physiological process of emotional imagery and memory
Duncan Family Institute helps Francesco Versace test the relationships between negative affect and the maintenance of smoking behavior, cessation and relapse.
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Scientists look at smokers' brain activity before and after quitting
Francesco Versace, Ph.D., talks about "Error sensitivity as a predictor of nicotine abstinence and smoking cessation," a study he's leading at MD Anderson's Behavioral Research and Treatment Center, and a study participant shares his experiences.
Related Resources
Contact Information
For questions about our lab, please contact:
- Regina Richards
Senior Administrative Assistant
713-794-4420
rarichar@mdanderson.org - Altoya Bazile-Robertson
Administrative Assistant
713-792-4154
AIBazile@mdanderson.org
Directions to the Dan L. Duncan Building
Interested in quitting smoking? For more information about any of our smoking cessation studies, call 713-792-2265.
Interested in participating in our non-quit research studies? Call the non-quit line at 713-794-4763 for more information.